GrammarJLPT N5
→ then
Then; Well then; In that case
JLPT N5ConjunctionNeutral
では is a conjunction and set expression used to signal a transition — either in conversation or in logic. It functions most commonly in three ways: as a discourse marker meaning "well then" or "in that case" to move a conversation forward or wrap it up (e.g., saying goodbye), as a contraction of それでは ("given that / if that's the case"), and as a way to introduce a next step or new topic. In casual speech, では is very often shortened to じゃ or じゃあ, which carry the same meaning but a more relaxed tone. Compared to さて, which shifts to an entirely new topic, では typically builds on what was just said or on the current situation. It is appropriate in both spoken and written Japanese, though in everyday conversation the contracted forms are far more common.
Functions
#1 Transitioning to a next action or step
Structure
では、[action / proposal]
では、始めましょう。
Here では signals that the speaker is ready to move on to the next step, in this case starting something. It acknowledges the current situation — perhaps everyone has gathered or preparations are complete — and smoothly transitions into a proposal for action. This is one of the most common uses of では in both formal and semi-formal settings, such as meetings, classes, or presentations.Well then, let's begin.
Structures
- Standalone / Sentence-initial
- では、[next statement / action / farewell]
Common mistakes
A very common mistake is confusing the conjunction では (meaning "well then") with the particle combination では found in negative sentences like ここでは食べません ("I don't eat here"), where で is a particle marking location and は adds contrast or topic. These are structurally identical but grammatically unrelated. Another frequent error is using では in very casual conversation where じゃ or じゃあ would sound much more natural; using the full form では among close friends can sound stiff or overly formal. Learners also sometimes confuse では with さて; while both can introduce new topics, では usually connects logically to the preceding context, whereas さて marks a more abrupt shift.
Related
じゃそれではじゃあさてそれなら