Structure
（それ ）+ では(1) + Phrase
(1) じゃあ、じゃ
Details
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Standard
About では・それでは・じゃあ
では and じゃあ are both abbreviations of それでは, and used as conjunctions in Japanese. This structure may be considered as a combination of それ, the case marking particle で, and the binding (adverbial) particle は, but is commonly treated as a single word.
それでは has two primary functions. It can be used to continue in the same topic, showing that '(B) is a result of (A)'. Or it may be used to change the conversation topic completely, showing that '(A) is at a good point to become (B)'. In each of these cases, it can be translated as 'and with that' in English. 'If so', 'well then', and 'in that case' are also common translations.
The translation of 'in that case' is most commonly used when one person is making an assumption/drawing a conclusion about something that someone else has just said.
Fun Fact
それでは, では, and じゃあ are also frequently used as a polite way to say 'goodbye'. In these situations, it comes across in a similar way to 'well…. I best be off' in English.
- では、私はこれで失礼します。Well, this will be when I'm going to excuse myself.
Synonyms
Examples
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じゃあ、ここで失礼します。
Well then, I will take my leave.
では、こうしたらどうでしょう。
Well, how about trying it this way?
では、次の問題です。
Well then, on to the next question!
じゃあ…本を取ってくるから。ちょっと待ってて。
Well... I'll go grab my book. Hang on a sec.
では、また来週の火曜日に会いましょう。
Well, let's meet again next Tuesday.
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では・それでは・じゃあ – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (5 in total)
ggw1776
Still not all that clear on the grammar page on the different levels. It lists those like you say, but I had the following:
______、ここで失礼します
それじゃ was listed as too casual, but it accepted じゃあ
Daru
That’s because じゃあ is a tad more formal than それじゃ！
Jackalopalen
Just came to this point and it brought back some memories.
I’m an ALT. A homeroom teacher I worked with a couple of years ago had her own unique way of saying this (at least I’ve never heard anyone else say it):
「それではんじゃあ」
She must’ve said it at least half a dozen times every lesson and I and the students would lightly tease her about it (all in good fun). It definitely rubbed off though and I find myself saying it occasionally
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