様では
If, If it is true that
Structure
(2) ようじゃ
Explanation
ようでは is formed by combining the auxiliary verb 様, which means 'seems like' or 'appears to be', with the particle では. In this context, では acts like 'if that is the case'. Consequently, ようでは carries the meaning of 'if', but with a specific emphasis on the preceding situation (A) being an observation or an assumption rather than a confirmed fact. It can be understood as 'if it looks like (A) is happening', or 'if the situation is as it appears'.
Most commonly, ようでは is used to express a negative judgment. It suggests that if the state described in (A) continues or is true, a disappointing or undesirable consequence is likely to follow.
Grammatically, ようでは is attached to the end of a verb, which can be in any of its plain forms.
- そんなに勉強しないようでは、次の試験に受からないでしょう。If you don't study like that, you probably won't pass the next exam.
- 単語を覚えてもすぐに忘れるようでは、会話は難しいでしょう。If you just forget words right after learning them, having a conversation will be difficult.
- ちょっと走っただけで疲れるようでは、マラソンは無理ですよ。If you get tired just from running a little, completing a marathon will be impossible.
ようでは highlights that the speaker is making a judgment based on the observable state or appearance of (A). As such, it frequently conveys the speaker's personal and often critical opinion about what they see.
Examples
玉ねぎすら切れないようでは、料理なんて無理だよ。
If you can't even cut an onion, there's no way you can cook. (...it appears that...)
会議に毎回遅刻するようでは、社会人として失格だ。
If you are always late for meetings, you're unfit to be a professional. (...it appears that...)
これくらいの練習で疲れているようでは、試合には勝てませんよ。
If you're getting tired from just this amount of practice, you won't be able to win the game. (...it appears that...)
何でも人のせいにするようでは、信頼は得られない。
If you blame other people for everything, you won't be able to earn anyone's trust. (...it appears that...)
一度の失敗で諦めるようでは、何も成し遂げられないだろう。
If you give up after just one failure, you likely won't accomplish anything. (...it appears that...)
腕立て伏せが一回もできないようでは、体力不足が心配だ。
If you can't even do a single push-up, I'm worried about your lack of stamina. (...it appears that...)
スマホの操作がそんなに難しいようでは、今の時代についていけないよ。
If you find operating a smartphone that difficult, you won't be able to keep up with the modern age. (...it appears that...)
自分で起きられないようでは、一人暮らしはまだ早い。
If you can't wake up on your own, it's too soon for you to live alone. (...it appears that...)
そんなにわがままなようでは、友達に嫌われてしまうよ。
If you act that selfishly, you'll end up being disliked by your friends. (...it appears that...)
まっすぐな道でさえふらつくようでは、運転免許を返した方がいい。
If you swerve even on a straight road, you should probably give up your driver's license. (...it appears that...)
部下の意見に耳を傾けないようでは、良いリーダーとは言えない。
If you won't even listen to the opinions of your staff, you can't be called a good leader. (...it appears that...)
地図が読めないようでは、知らない土地を一人で旅するのは危険だ。
If you can't read a map, it is dangerous to travel alone in an unfamiliar land. (...it appears that...)