When learning Japanese, understanding different words for “but” can be confusing. Today, we’ll look at three common conjunctions: けど (kedo), でも (demo), and しかし (shikashi). These words all mean “but” or “however,” but they have different nuances and usage contexts. Let’s dive into how to use each of them naturally in conversation.

けど (Kedo) – Sentence ending “But”

けど (kedo) is often used in everyday, casual speech. It’s versatile and works similarly to the English “but” when connecting two contrasting ideas. You’ll frequently hear けど at the end of a sentence as a way to soften a statement or to imply something more without explicitly stating it.

• あめが降ふっているけど、散歩さんぽしたい。 (“It’s raining, but I still want to go for a walk.”)
• これを使つかいたいんだけど…。 (“I’d like to use this, but…”)

In informal conversations, けど can also be used to make a statement less direct or more polite. It’s very common among friends or family members.

でも (Demo) – Stand-Alone “But”

でも (demo) is used at the beginning of a sentence to express a contrast or opposing idea. It’s like saying “however” or “but” at the start of a new thought. でも is slightly more formal than けど, but it’s still quite casual and is commonly used in everyday conversation.

• 残念ざんねんだったね。でも、きっと大丈夫だいじょうぶだよ。 (“That’s unfortunate. But I’m sure it will be okay.”)
• ケーキがあるよ。でも、まだ食たべられないよ。 (“There’s cake. But you can’t eat it yet.”)

でも is often used when you want to add an opposing statement to what was said before. It’s effective for emphasizing a contrast in casual contexts.

しかし (Shikashi) – Formal “But”

しかし (shikashi) is more formal than both けど and でも. It’s used to provide a contrast in a way that’s similar to “however” in English, often in written language, speeches, or formal conversations. Because of its formal tone, しかし is less common in casual settings.

• 大おおきな借金しゃっきんを抱かかえていた。しかし、諦あきらめなかった。 (“He was in significant debt. However, he didn’t give up.”)
• これは難むずかしい問題もんだいだ。しかし、解決かいけつできる。 (“This is a difficult problem. However, I can solve it.”)

Because of its formality, しかし is commonly used in news reports, academic discussions, and other structured contexts where a more serious tone is required.

Summary – When to Use Each

Each of these words has its own distinct feel and appropriate usage. As you continue learning Japanese, pay attention to how native speakers use けど, でも, and しかし in different contexts—it’ll help you understand the nuances better and make your own Japanese sound more natural. Share your example sentences in the comments, and I’ll be happy to check them for you.

If you want to learn Japanese, improve your skills, or connect with native speakers and other learners, we can help. We offer one-on-one lessons, a supportive community, and on demand courses.

Website: nihongonana.com
Email: support@nihongonana.com

✅Book 1-on-1 lessons: https://nihongonana.com/lessons/
✅Join our community: https://nihongonana.com/community/
✅Access courses: https://nihongonana.com/courses/