Quote:
Originally Posted by Columbine
I know most text tends to use plain form, MMM, but the OP used 'masen' and the question was about the use 'ja' and 'dewa'.
I'll rephrase it then; I was taught that 'ja' is more usually spoken and less usually written and 'dewa' is the reverse.
If that's still wrong, then please let me know so I can add another complaint to the 'why my teacher needs to be fired' list.
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I was taught the same way, Columbine. I don't think a native speaker would agree, though. Essentially they mean the same thing, and you could argue 'de wa' is more formal than 'ja', but they more than likely can be used interchangeably.