How to Say ‘Well then, please tell me why you applied.’ in Japanese
では、志望動機を教えてください。
de wa shibou douki o oshie te kudasai
[deh wah shee-BOH DOH-kee oh oh-shee-eh te kudasai]
💬 Usage Tip: では (dewa) is a common way to move on to a new topic, like "well then". Note that は here is said (wa).
Phrase Breakdown
では、志望動機を
de wa shibou douki o
well then, your reason for applying
'Dewa' means 'well then'. 'Shibō dōki' means 'motivation for applying'. Hold the long 'ō' sounds, and 'o' marks the object.
志望動機を話します。
I will talk about my reason for applying.
Words in this phrase
で
de
[deh]
well then (part of では)
With は, forms では, 'well then', used to move to a new topic.
では、始めましょう。
Well then, let's begin.
は
wa
[wah]
(part of では, 'well then')
Combined with で to make the transition word では.
では、また明日。
Well then, see you tomorrow.
志望
shibou
[shee-BOH]
aspiration; desired choice
What you wish to be or apply for, such as a school or company.
志望の大学に合格しました。
I passed the entrance exam for my first-choice university.
動機
douki
[DOH-kee]
motive; reason
The reason that drives an action; 志望動機 is 'motivation for applying'.
犯行の動機は何ですか。
What was the motive for the crime?
を
o
[oh]
object marker
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.
チケットを二枚ください。
Two tickets, please.
教えてください。
oshie te kudasai
please tell me
A polite request that asks someone to share information.
趣味を教えてください。
Please tell me your hobbies.
Words in this phrase
教え
oshie
[oh-shee-eh]
teach; tell me
The stem of the verb meaning to teach or tell; often used when asking for information.
みちをおしえください、のおしえです。
This is the 'oshie' in 'please tell me the way.'
て
te
[te]
te-form ending
Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.
ドアが開いて、入ります。
The door opens, and then I go in.
ください
kudasai
[kudasai]
please (do)
Used to make a polite request.
手伝ってください。
Please help me.
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