それでは
sore de wa[so̞ɾe̞ de̞ β̞a̠]
In Japanese, 'well then' can be expressed as それでは (sore de wa).
This phrase is used to introduce a new topic or to signal that it is time to leave. It can also mean 'in that case'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sore (that), de (a particle indicating means or state) and wa (the topic marker), which literally translates to 'as for that situation'.
Which one should you use?
While それでは can introduce a new topic, it is most distinctively used as a transition to signal the end of a current topic or the end of a conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite forms include それでは, which is suitable for business meetings or official occasions and its slightly less formal shortened version では. In casual settings, you may use じゃあね to say 'well then' or 'see you' or じゃあ、それじゃ when transitioning to a new topic or parting ways.
How do you pronounce it?
sore de wa
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 'kuuki wo yomu' or 'reading the air', and using それでは is a key tool for this, as it tells the listener the speaker is politely creating an exit without needing to state a reason.
- The casual form じゃあ is a phonetic contraction of では, where the 'd' sound shifted to a 'j' sound over time.
- While それでは is used to move to a new topic, using it too frequently in a single conversation can make a speaker sound like they are rushing to finish or are impatient to change the subject.
Examples in context
- それでは、明日の朝９時ごろ伺います。Well then, I'll give a call around 9 a.m. tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use それでは to introduce an upcoming action.Tatoeba #1015631 by bunbuku, translation #8595755 by Scuba
- 「じゃあね、また明日ね！」Well then, I'll see you tomorrow!
- 「じゃあ、公園に行こうよ！」Well then, let's go to the park!
- 「では、会議を始めましょう。」Well then, let's start our meeting.
- 「では、後で連絡いたします。」Well then, I will contact you later.
- それでは、始めましょう。Soredewa, hajimemashou.Well then, let's begin.
- それでは、おやすみなさい。Soredewa, oyasuminasai.Well then, good night.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are finishing a conversation at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki今日はとても楽しかったです。Kyou wa totemo tanoshikatta desu.I had a lot of fun today.
- 陽太 Yota私もです。それでは、そろそろ行きますね。Watashi mo desu. Soredewa, sorosoro ikimasu ne.Me too. Well then, I should be going now.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、また連絡します。Hai, mata renraku shimasu.Okay, I will contact you again.
- 陽太 Yotaよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.I'll look forward to it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry それでは, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
