These expressions are used to shift topics or wrap up a conversation.
- それでは is more formal
- じゃ is casual
- Often used before actions or parting phrases like いきましょう or さようなら
- "じゃ" can start casual conclusions, while "それでは" suits polite or written contexts
それでは、しつれい します。
Sore de wa, shitsurei shimasu.
Well then, I’ll take my leave.
じゃ、また あした！
Ja, mata ashita!
See you tomorrow, then!
それでは、テスト を はじめましょう。
Sore de wa, tesuto o hajimemashou.
Well then, let’s begin the test.
ところで is used to suddenly shift topics, often to introduce a new subject that’s different from what was just discussed.
It’s a natural way to steer conversations in a new direction.
- Neutral tone — works in both casual and formal contexts
- Only used when the next topic is unrelated or new
- Not used for cause-effect or continuation
いい てんき ですね。ところで、しゅくだい は おわりましたか？
Ii tenki desu ne. Tokoro de, shukudai wa owarimashita ka?
Nice weather, huh? By the way, did you finish your homework?
かいぎ は おわりました。ところで、つぎ の ミーティング は いつ ですか？
Kaigi wa owarimashita. Tokoro de, tsugi no miitingu wa itsu desu ka?
The meeting’s over. By the way, when’s the next one?
つまり is used to summarize or restate something more clearly.
It helps clarify or emphasize a point by rewording it.
- Often used after a longer or more complex explanation
- Common in explanations, conclusions, or clarifications
- Can also mean “so basically…”
バス が おくれて、じゅぎょう に おくれた。つまり、まにあわなかった。
Basu ga okurete, jugyou ni okureta. Tsumari, maniawanakatta.
The bus was late, and I was late for class. In other words, I didn’t make it in time.
かれ は いちにちじゅう テレビ を みていた。つまり、なに も して いなかった。
Kare wa ichinichijuu terebi o mite ita. Tsumari, nani mo shite inakatta.
He watched TV all day. Basically, he didn’t do anything.
たとえば is used to introduce examples that support or clarify what you just said.
It’s often followed by 〜など (etc.) or a list of related items.
- Always used at the beginning of a sentence or clause
- Use it to illustrate ideas, not for listing all items
たとえば、さしみ や すし が すき です。
Tatoeba, sashimi ya sushi ga suki desu.
For example, I like sashimi and sushi.
日本 の たべもの が すき です。たとえば、ラーメン と おこのみやき。
Nihon no tabemono ga suki desu. Tatoeba, raamen to okonomiyaki.
I like Japanese food. For example, ramen and okonomiyaki.
たしかに is an adverb used to express agreement or confirmation of a point. It means "certainly", "indeed", or "surely", often acknowledging that something is true. It can be used to agree with someone while still making your own point afterward.µ
Think of it as:
- "You're right that..."
- "Indeed, but..."
- "Certainly..."
- Don't confuse たしかに ("certainly") with たしか ("if I remember correctly" or "maybe").
- たしかに is often used in debate, discussion, or polite disagreement.
たしかに、それは問題です。
Tashika ni, sore wa mondai desu.
Certainly, that is a problem.
たしかに高いけど、品質がいい。
Tashika ni takai kedo, hinshitsu ga ii.
Indeed, it's expensive, but the quality is good.
たしかに彼の言うことも一理ある。
Tashika ni kare no iu koto mo ichiri aru.
Surely, what he says also makes some sense.
じつは is an adverb used when you want to introduce something unexpected, personal, or a hidden truth. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence and signals that what follows may contrast with what the listener expects.
Think of it as:
- "Actually..."
- "To be honest..."
- "The truth is..."
- じつは is often used in confessions, surprises, or when revealing new information.
- It must be followed by more information — it cannot stand alone.
実は、来年日本に行く予定です。
Jitsu wa, rainen Nihon ni iku yotei desu.
Actually, I'm planning to go to Japan next year.
実は、彼女がいるんです。
Jitsu wa, kanojo ga irun desu.
To be honest, I have a girlfriend.
実は、それが間違いでした。
Jitsu wa, sore ga machigai deshita.
The truth is, that was a mistake.
かもしれない is used to express possibility or uncertainty — like saying “might,” “maybe,” or “possibly” in English. It attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
Think of it as:
- “might be…”
- “maybe…”
- “could be…”
- The polite form is 〜かもしれません.
- It implies uncertainty — not a strong probability.
雨がふるかもしれない。
Ame ga furu kamoshirenai.
It might rain.
彼は行かないかもしれません。
Kare wa ikanai kamoshiremasen.
He might not go.
この店は高いかもしれない。
Kono mise wa takai kamoshirenai.
This shop might be expensive.