Translation and Meaning of: では - deha

The Japanese word では (dewa) is an essential particle in the language, often used in everyday conversations and formal situations. If you are learning Japanese, understanding its meaning, usage, and context can be key to sounding more natural. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural nuances, including practical tips for memorization and examples of how it appears in Japanese media. Whether for study or curiosity, Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, is here to help.

Meaning and use of では

では is a particle that generally functions as a marker of transition or contrast, similar to "then" or "well." It can start a sentence to change the subject or introduce a conclusion. For example, in formal situations, it is common to hear では、始めましょう (dewa, hajimemashou) – "Then, let's begin."

In addition, では can also indicate a subtle contrast, as in 東京では雪が降っていますが、大阪では降っていません (It is snowing in Tokyo, but it is not in Osaka). This usage shows how the word helps connect opposing ideas or different geographical and situational contexts.

Origin and grammatical structure

The particle では is formed by the combination of で (instrumental/locative particle) and は (topic particle). Originally, this combination emerged to indicate a specific context where an action occurs, but over time, it gained broader functions. It is a classic example of how Japanese particles evolve to take on multiple meanings.

It is worth noting that in some regional dialects, such as that of Kansai, では can be replaced by やで (yade) without losing the meaning. However, in standard language (hyōjungo), the form では is the most accepted in formal and educational settings.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce the use of では is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of work meetings or classes, where it often appears to initiate an activity. Phrases like では、今日の議題に入りましょう (dewa, kyō no gidai ni hairimashou) – "So, let's move on to today's topic" – are great for practice.

Another tip is to observe its use in animes and dramas. Series like "Shirokuma Café" or "Terrace House" naturally employ では in dialogues, especially when the characters are wrapping up a topic or moving on to another. Paying attention to these contexts helps internalize the sound and rhythm of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

では (dewa) - Então / Nesse caso
それでは (sore dewa) - Nesse caso / Então
それじゃ (sore ja) - Então / Nesse caso (mais informal)
それじゃあ (sore jaa) - So / In that case (more informal, with emphasis)
ではでは (dewa dewa) - Então (enfatizando)
ではありません (dewa arimasen) - It's not / It's not
ではありませんが (dewa arimasen ga) - It's not, but...
ではございません (dewa gozaimasen) - It's not (more polite form)
ではございますが (dewa gozaimasen ga) - É, mas... (forma polida)
ではございますけれども (dewa gozaimasu keredomo) - It is, however... (polite and more formal form)
ではございませんけれども (dewa gozaimasen keredomo) - It's not, however... (polite and more formal form)

Related words

デパート

depa-to

Department store

当てはまる

atehamaru

apply (a rule)

当てはめる

atehameru

to apply; adapt

延いては

hiiteha

Not only ... but also; in addition to; consequently

其れでは

soredeha

In this situation; well then ...

当て

ate

object; goal; end; hopes; expectations

当たる

ataru

be hit; succeed; face; lying down (towards); undertake; deal with; be equivalent to; apply to; be applicable; be designated.

当たり

atari

hit; success; reaching the mark; per ...; proximity; neighborhood

枠

waku

board; slide

よると

yoruto

according to

では

Romaji: deha
Kana: では
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: then; good; then; well then

Meaning in English: then;well;so;well then

Definition: teeth conjunction. Used when you attribute a condition to something and state the result.

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How to Write in Japanese - (では) deha

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (では) deha:

Example Sentences - (では) deha

See below some example sentences:

一言では言い表せない。

Hitokoto de wa iiarawasenai.

It can't be expressed in a single word.

It's hard to put into words.

一言 (ひとこと) - One word, short expression
and - Particle that indicates the means or manner in which something is done
は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence
言い表せない (いいあらわせない) - It can't be expressed, it can't be described

酔っ払いは公共の場で騒ぐべきではありません。

Yopparai wa kōkyō no ba de sawagu beki de wa arimasen

Drunks should not make noise in public places.

Drunk should not make noise in public.

酔っ払い - It means "drunk" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the "drunkard".
公共の場 - It means "public space" in Japanese.
で - Location particle in Japanese, indicating that the action takes place in "public space".
騒ぐ - It means "make noise" in Japanese.
べきではありません - Expression in Japanese that indicates a prohibition or a negative obligation, in this case, it means "must not do".

金銭が全てではない。

Kinsen ga subete dewa nai

Money is not everything.

金銭 - money
が - subject particle
全て - All, every
ではない - Não é

解除された契約はもう有効ではありません。

Kaijo sareta keiyaku wa mou yuko de wa arimasen

A terminated contract is no longer valid.

The cancellation contract is no longer valid.

解除された - past tense of the verb 解除する (cancel, rescind)
契約 - noun meaning contract
は - Topic particle
もう - adverb meaning "no longer" or "no longer"
有効 - adjective meaning valid, effective
ではありません - formal negation of the affirmative form である (to be, to be)

膨脹した経済は持続可能ではない。

Bōchō shita keizai wa jizoku kanō de wa nai

An inflated economy is not sustainable.

The expanded economy is not sustainable.

膨脹した - The word that means "expanded" or "swollen".
経済 - The word that means "economy."
は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
持続可能 - composite word that means "sustainable" or "long-term viable".
ではない - expression that means "it's not".

私たちは過去の足跡を忘れてはならない。

Watashitachi wa kako no ashiato o wasurete wa naranai

We must not forget the previous footprints.

私たちは - "We" in Japanese.
過去の - "From the past" in Japanese.
足跡を - "Footprints" in Japanese.
忘れてはならない - "We cannot forget" in Japanese.

私はいつもぼやいてばかりです。

Watashi wa itsumo boyaitte bakari desu

I'm always complaining.

I am always blurred.

私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
いつも (itsumo) - adverb meaning "always"
ぼやいて (boyaitte) - verb meaning "to complain" or "to grumble", conjugated in the gerund
ばかり (bakari) - Particle indicating that the action is done frequently or excessively, in this case "always"
です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense