では, the textbook “well then”, becomes じゃあ in speech. Comedians use it to launch the next scene: じゃあ、やってみよう.
Fine in almost any conversation. In a formal meeting, では.
One player worries that losing this match means retiring, and the other scolds them for thinking about losing in the middle of a match.
Alright, here we go!
Textbookでは、行きますよ。Formal 'では' contracts to casual 'じゃ', stretched to 'じゃあ' ('alright then'), signaling they're ready to start.
A customer keeps getting the wrong things instead of a draft beer, and the staff member says they run the place alone.
Then you bring it over!
Textbookでは、あなたが持ってきてください。Textbook 「では」 contracts to 「じゃあ」 ('then / in that case'); polite 「持ってきてください」 becomes the blunt command 「持ってこいよ」.
One voice keeps announcing that the other is opening up and a door will open; the other insists they'll shut it instead.
Well then, it's closing.
Textbookでは、閉まります。Casual speech shortens 'では' to 'じゃ', stretched to 'じゃあ': a quick 'well then' that picks up the partner's 'むしろ閉ざすよ'.
One performer is annoyed that the other still doesn't understand something that was explained at the very start.
Okay, then...
Textbookでは、"じゃあ" is the casual contraction of "では" (では→じゃ, stretched); "さ" is a casual attention-grabbing particle, dropped in polite speech.
One performer insists this won't make them cry, because they have put a 'lid' on all their feelings.
So you mean you haven't cried in ages?
Textbookでは、ずっと泣いていないということですか。'では' contracts to 'じゃあ' ('so, then'), drawing a conclusion from what was just said; 'ってこと?' is casual 'ということですか'.
The performers are playing human batteries that are now connected "in series," one behind the other.
Okay, then I'll go in front next.
Textbookでは、次は私が前に行きます。"じゃあ" is the spoken contraction of "では" (では → じゃ → じゃあ), meaning "well then / okay."
From other routines in the library. Automatic transcripts, not yet checked line by line.
じゃあ means “well then / so”. では, the textbook “well then”, becomes じゃあ in speech. Comedians use it to launch the next scene: じゃあ、やってみよう.
With friends: OK. With coworkers: OK. With a boss or teacher: careful. Fine in almost any conversation. In a formal meeting, では.
In 1,905 live comedy routines, じゃあ appears in 2,700 lines from 237 comedians, and the textbook では in 149 lines.