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〜ようでは

if (you're like that), then (it's no good)

Plain form + ようでは (casual: ようじゃ)

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ようでは criticises a situation and predicts a bad result: こんな簡単な問題ができないようでは、合格は無理だ, "if you can't do a simple problem like this, you've no chance of passing".

The first half describes behaviour or a state the speaker disapproves of; the second is a negative consequence: 信頼されない, 困る, 無理だ, 上達しない.

It's typical of teachers, parents and managers giving warnings. In speech, it's ようじゃ.

It's a critical "if". Plain なら or たら would state the condition neutrally, without the judgement. The よう softens it slightly, as if to say "if it's the case that you're like this".

Examples

  • こんな簡単かんたんな問題もんだいができないようでは、合格ごうかくは無理むりだ。

    If you can't do a simple problem like this, you've no chance of passing.

  • 毎日遅刻まいにちちこくするようでは、信頼しんらいされない。

    If you're late every day, nobody will trust you.

  • こんなことで泣なくようでは、社会しゃかいに出でてから困こまるよ。

    If you cry over something like this, you'll struggle once you start working.

  • 人ひとの話はなしを聞きかないようでは、上達じょうたつしない。

    If you don't listen to others, you won't improve.

  • この程度ていどで疲つかれるようでは、山やまには登のぼれない。

    If this is enough to tire you out, you'll never climb a mountain.

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