Japanese word

じゃあ

Pronunciation

Romajijā

Meaning

  • conjunctionthen

Example

じゃあ、始めましょう。jā haji me ma shō

Then, let's begin.

Illustration for じゃあ (then)

More examples

準備ができましたので、じゃあ、出発しましょう。jun bi ga de ki ma shi ta no de jā shup patsu shi ma shō

We are ready, so let's set off.

Core concept

Connects the preceding situation with a resulting choice, conclusion, or next step in a casual conversation.

Common phrases

  • じゃあねjā ne

    see you

  • じゃあまたjā ma ta

    see you again

Similar words

ではdewa: Signals a conclusion or a transition to the next action, often in polite speech.
それではsoredewa: Introduces a decision or next step after a preceding situation in a polite conversation.
それじゃsoreja: Links the preceding situation to a conclusion or next step in casual speech.

Definition in Japanese

それまでの話から導かれる次の行動や結論を示す語。so re ma de no hanashi ka ra michibi ka re ru tsugi no kō dō ya ketsu ron o shime su go

Word origin

じゃあ (jā, "then") is the shortened spoken form of では (de wa, "if that is so" or "then"), and its original conditional sense extends to conversational transitions.

Usage tips

  • In casual replies, this expression can mean "well" rather than mark a firm conclusion, depending on the speaker's tone.

Other meanings

  • soconjunction
  • wellconjunction

Word lists with this word