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How to Say ‘Well then / in that case’ in Japanese

では

de wa

[deh wah]

💬 Usage Tip: [では] often means "well then" or "in that case" when moving the conversation along. In casual speech you'll very often hear the shorter [じゃ].

Phrase Breakdown

de

[deh]

then; well then

This particle can be part of では, a transition meaning 'well then' or 'in that case.'

Example

では、始めましょう。

Well then, let's begin.

wa

[wah]

topic particle

Pronounced wa here; together with で it makes では, meaning 'then' or 'in that case.'

Example

では、少しだけ。

Well then, just a little.

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