1.
well, well then
Casual form of では used to transition or conclude.
じゃあ、行こうか。
Well then, shall we go?
じゃあ、また明日。
Well then, see you tomorrow.
じゃあね。
See you!
Very casual farewell
じゃあ、私はこれで帰ります。
Well then, I'll head home now.
雨が降っているの？じゃあ、傘を持っていこう。
It's raining? Well then, let's take an umbrella.
じゃあ is a casual contraction of では. One of the most commonly used words in spoken Japanese for transitions, conclusions, and farewells.
FORMALITY SCALE:
- では: formal (speeches, business)
- それでは: polite (meetings, formal conversation)
- じゃあ: casual (everyday conversation)
- じゃ: even more casual
MAIN FUNCTIONS:
1. Transition: じゃあ、始めましょう (Well then, let's begin)
2. Consequence: じゃあ、傘を持っていこう (Then let's take an umbrella)
3. Farewell: じゃあね / じゃあ、また (See you! / See you later)
NOTE:
Very frequently used at the start of sentences. Almost never used in formal writing — use では or それでは instead.