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)

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.

Example Sentences - (では) deha

See below some example sentences:

彼女の気立てはとても優しいです。

Kanojo no kidate wa totemo yasashii desu

Your apprentices are very kind.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend" or "her"
• の (no) - possessive particle, indicates that "kanojo" is the subject of the sentence
• 気立て (kidate) - means "personality" or "temperament"
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "kidate" is the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい (yasashii) - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

従来の方法では限界がある。

Jūrai no hōhō de wa genkai ga aru

There is a limit to the conventional method.

• 従来の - It means "traditional" or "conventional".
• 方法 - means "method" or "procedure".
• では - It is a particle that indicates the location or circumstance in which something happens.
• 限界 - It means "limit" or "boundary".
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - means "to exist" or "to have".

暴力は決して正当化されるべきではありません。

Bouryoku wa kesshite seitouka sareru beki de wa arimasen

A violência nunca deve ser justificada.

Violence should never be justified.

• 暴力 - violence
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 正当化 - justification, legitimation
• される - passive form of the verb "to do"
• べき - it should
• ではありません - formal denial of the polite form of "being"

最低な行為をしてはいけません。

Saitei na kōi o shite wa ikemasen

Don't make the worst act.

• 最低な - means "the worst" or "the lowest".
• 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• いけません - negative form of the verb "iku" meaning "to go". In this case, it is used to indicate that something should not be done.

核兵器は絶対に使用してはいけない。

Kaku heiki wa zettai ni shiyou shite wa ikenai

Never use nuclear weapons.

• 核兵器 - nuclear weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - absolutely
• 使用して - using
• はいけない - not allowed

私は停留所でバスを待っています。

Watashi wa teiryūjo de basu o matte imasu

I'm waiting for the bus at the bus stop.

I'm waiting for a bus at the stop.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 停留所 (teiryūjo) - means "bus stop" in Japanese
• で (de) - Location particle in Japanese language, used to indicate where something is happening.
• バス (basu) - It means "bus" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 待っています (matteimasu) - It means "I am waiting" in Japanese, with "matte" being the verb "to wait" and "imasu" a form to indicate the present continuous.

私は信者ではありません。

Watashi wa shinsha de wa arimasen

I'm not a believer.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 信者 - Japanese noun that means "believer" or "follower."
• ではありません - Japanese expression meaning "not to be"

私の月給は十分ではありません。

Watashi no gekkyū wa jūbun de wa arimasen

My monthly salary is not enough.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 月給 - monthly salary
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 十分 - adjective that means "sufficient"
• ではありません - expression indicating negation

私たちは屋敷でパーティーを開催します。

Watashitachi wa yashiki de paatii o kaisai shimasu

Let's hold a party at the mansion.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 屋敷 - "mansion" or "residence" in Japanese
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• パーティー - "party" in Japanese, written in katakana (one of the Japanese writing systems)
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 開催します - "realize" or "organize" in Japanese

自殺は決して解決策ではありません。

Jisatsu wa kesshite kaiketsusaku de wa arimasen

Suicide is not a solution.

• 自殺 - suicide
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 解決策 - solution, answer
• ではありません - formal denial