Meaning
~ようでは is used to criticize or express disapproval of a situation, and to suggest that negative consequences will follow. The pattern emphasizes that if someone cannot do something or fails to do something, an undesirable result will occur. It's commonly used when the speaker wants to warn, scold, or discourage an action. The informal spoken version is ~ようじゃ.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词辞书形 | ようでは |
| 动词(ない形) ない | ようでは |
Examples
-
こんな簡単な問題さえも解けないようでは、入学試験に合格するのは無理でしょう。
If you can't even solve such a simple problem, it will be impossible to pass the entrance exam. -
日本語能力試験のN2に合格できないようでは、日本の大学に留学することは難しいだろう。
If you fail the N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, it will be difficult to study at a Japanese university. -
こんな簡単な仕事もできないようじゃ、大事なプロジェクトを任せられるものか。
If you can't even do such simple work, how can I entrust you with an important project? -
誤解を解かないまま別れようでは、彼女に二度と会えないかもしれないぞ。
If you break up without clearing up the misunderstanding, you might never see her again.
Summary
- Used to criticize an action or inability and predict undesirable consequences
- The consequent clause typically contains negative words like ない (cannot), 難しい (difficult), 困る (troubled), だめ (no good), or 無理 (impossible)
- Can function as a warning, reproach, or discouragement; formed with dictionary form + ようでは or ない form + ようでは