それじゃあ
sorejā
The English phrase "alright then" can be translated into Japanese as それじゃあ (sorejā).
それじゃあ is used to signal a transition, such as when a speaker is about to start a new task or move to the next point in a discussion. It can also be used to signal the end of a conversation. Related to this is それで, which means "with that" or "in that case."
What does it mean word for word?
それじゃあ is a contraction of sore de wa. In this phrase, sore means "that", de is a particle and wa is the topic marker.
Which one should you use?
While それじゃあ is a common contraction, the full form それでは (sore de wa) is used in formal settings or professional speech. In more casual contexts, you might use じゃあ to mean "well then" or the phrase じゃあ、それでいいね to mean "Well then, that's fine."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or professional speech, you should use the uncontracted form それでは. The form じゃあ is considered informal.
How do you pronounce it?
sorejā
Did you know?
- While それでは is the formal version, using it in a very casual setting can make the speaker sound like they are imitating a narrator in a movie or a formal announcer.
- When using じゃあ to end a conversation, Japanese speakers often accompany the phrase with a slight bow or a physical step back to signal the transition in space as well as in topic.
- In Japanese business etiquette, instead of using それでは to close a meeting, it is more common to use a phrase like 以上です (ijō desu), which literally means 'That is all'.
Examples in context
- まあ、そうするしかないかな。Well, I guess there's no other choice.
- それじゃあ、そろそろ行こうか。Sorejaa, sorosoro ikou ka.Alright then, shall we head out?
- それじゃあ、また明日ね。Sorejaa, mata ashita ne.Alright then, see you tomorrow.
- それじゃあ、始めましょう。Sorejaa, hajimemashou.Alright then, let's begin.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are finishing a conversation at a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaそれじゃあ、今日はこれで終わりにするね。Sorejaa, kyou wa kore de owari ni suru ne.Alright then, let's call it a day.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。楽しかったよ、健太くん。Sou da ne. Tanoshikatta yo, Kenta-kun.You're right. I had a great time, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaまた今度、遊びに行こう。Mata kondo, asobi ni ikou.Let's hang out again sometime.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ぜひ！Un, zehi!Yeah, definitely!
