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) - So / In this case
• それでは (sore dewa) - In this case / So
• それじゃ (sore ja) - So / In that case (more 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) - Yes, but...
• 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:

この地域の人口分布は均等ではありません。

Kono chiiki no jinkou bunpu wa kintou de wa arimasen

The population distribution in this region is not uniform.

The population distribution in this area is not equal.

• この - Japanese word meaning "this"
• 地域 - Japanese word meaning "region"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or belonging
• 人口 - Japanese word meaning "population"
• 分布 - Japanese word meaning "distribution"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• 均等 - Japanese word meaning "uniform" or "the same"
• で - Japanese particle indicating the means or method
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• ありません - Japanese verb meaning "does not exist" or "is not"

私は行員ではありません。

Watashi wa gyouin de wa arimasen

I am not a bank employee.

I'm not an employee.

• Input - - - indicates that the input text will be presented next.
• 私 - - - word in Japanese that means "I".
• は - - - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I".
• 行員 - - - The word in Japanese that means "bank employee."
• ではありません - - - expression in Japanese that means "it's not".
• . - - period at the end of the sentence.
• Output - - - indicates that the result of the translation of the input text will be presented next.

この容積は十分ではありません。

Kono yōseki wa jūbun de wa arimasen

This volume is not enough.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 容積 - noun meaning "volume" or "capacity"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 十分 - Adjective that means "sufficient" or "adequate"
• ではありません - negative expression meaning "is not"

この商品を入手するのは簡単ではありません。

Kono shouhin wo nyuushu suru no wa kantan de wa arimasen

It is not easy to get this product.

• この商品 - this product
• を - direct object particle
• 入手する - get
• のは - Topic particle
• 簡単ではありません - it's not easy

出会いは偶然ではなく必然である。

Deai wa guuzen de wa naku hitsuzen de aru

Encounters are not coincidences

Encounters are inevitable, not accidental.

• 出会い - meeting
• は - Topic marking particle
• 偶然 - chance
• ではなく - Não é
• 必然 - inevitable
• である - is (formal)

単なる存在ではない。

Tannaru sonzai dewa nai

It's not just a simple existence.

Not just being.

• 単なる - means "mere" or "simple".
• 存在 - means "existence".
• ではない - is a negation, meaning "it is not".

天災は人間の力では防ぎきれない自然の力です。

Tensai wa ningen no chikara de wa fusegikirenai shizen no chikara desu

Natural disaster is a natural power that cannot be prevented by human power.

• 天災 - Natural Disasters
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• では - particle indicating negation or restriction
• 防ぎきれない - cannot be completely prevented
• 自然 - nature
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼の意思は明確ではない。

Kare no ishi wa meikaku de wa nai

Your intention is unclear.

Your intention is not clear.

• 彼の意思 - "Your intention"
• は - Topic particle
• 明確 - "Clara"
• ではない - "Is not"

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"