When learning Japanese, you’ll quickly realize that saying “but” is essential for everyday conversation. Whether you’re adding contrast, disagreeing politely, or explaining a surprising result, Japanese offers multiple ways to express “but” depending on the situation, tone, and formality.

Let’s explore the most common expressions for “but” in Japanese, from casual to very formal.

1. でも (demo) – “But” (casual)

でも is one of the most common and beginner-friendly ways to say “but.” It’s usually used at the beginning of a sentence in casual or neutral situations.

Example:

• 寿司すしが好すきです。でも、今日きょうはピザが食たべたいです。
  (I like sushi. But today, I want to eat pizza.)

2. けど / けれど / けれども – “But / although” (soft tone)

These are used in the middle or end of a sentence and offer a softer contrast than “でも”. They vary by level of politeness:

• けど – casual
• けれど – polite
• けれども – more polite/formal

Examples:

• 行いきたいけど、お金かねがない。
  (I want to go, but I don’t have money.)
• 忙いそがしいけれども、手伝てつだいます。
  (I’m busy, but I’ll help.)

📝 You might also hear these at the end of a sentence to trail off or leave something unsaid:

• ちょっと高たかいけど…
  (It’s a little expensive, but…)

3. が (ga) – “But” (polite/formal)

が is used to connect two contrasting ideas, especially in more polite conversation or writing. It’s more formal than けど, and is common in business or official settings.

Example:

• 日本語にほんごは難むずかしいが、とても面白おもしろいです。
  (Japanese is difficult, but it’s very interesting.)

4. のに (noni) – “Even though / despite”

のに expresses a stronger contrast or a sense of disappointment. It’s like saying “even though” or “despite.”

Example:

• 頑張がんばったのに、負まけてしまった。
  (Even though I tried hard, I lost.)
• 薬くすりを飲のんだのに、まだ頭あたまが痛いたい。
  (I took medicine, but I still have a headache.)

5. しかし (shikashi) – “However” (formal)

しかし means “however” and is used mainly in formal writing, news, or speeches.

Example:

• この薬くすりは効果こうかがあります。しかし、副作用ふくさようもあります。
  (This medicine is effective. However, it has side effects too.)

6. しかしながら (shikashi nagara) – “Nevertheless / However” (very formal)

This is an even more formal or literary version of しかし. You’ll often see it in business documents, academic papers, or official announcements.

Example:

• 政府せいふは支援しえんを発表はっぴょうした。しかしながら、すぐには効果こうかが出でないだろう。
  (The government announced support. However, the effects may not be seen immediately.)

Use this when writing reports, proposals, or formal essays.

7. それでも (soredemo) – “Even so / nevertheless”

それでも is used when you accept the first situation but still want to assert the second, often with determination or contradiction.

Example:

• 雨あめが降ふっていた。それでも、彼かれは出でかけた。
  (It was raining. Even so, he went out.)

🔍 Summary Table

✍️ Try It Yourself!

Practice making your own sentences with these examples:

• I studied, but I didn’t pass.
  → 勉強べんきょうしたけど、合格ごうかくしなかった。
• It’s difficult. However, I’ll try.
  → 難むずかしい。しかし、やってみます。
• I told him many times. Even so, he forgot.
  → 何回なんかいも言いった。それでも、彼かれは忘わすれた。

By learning and using these different expressions, your Japanese will become more natural, nuanced, and appropriate for the situation. Whether you’re chatting with friends or writing a report, there’s a perfect way to say “but” in Japanese!

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