Learn Japanese
Common conjunctions in Japanese
Here are 10+ common conjunctions in Japanese:
1. と (to) – and
Used to connect words, phrases, or clauses.
Example:
りんご と みかん
(ringo to mikan)
apple and mandarin orange
2. や (ya) – and/or
Used to connect words or phrases with a similar meaning, similar to “or” in some contexts.
Example:
コーヒー や 紅茶
(kōhī ya kōcha)
coffee or tea (offering both options)
3. が (ga) – but/however
Used to contrast two ideas.
Example:
日本語は難しいですが、面白いです
(nihongo wa muzukashii desu ga, omoshiroi desu)
Japanese is difficult, but it’s interesting.
4. けれど (keredomo) – but/however
More polite version of “ga.”
Example:
きれいですが、ちょっと高すぎますね
(kirei desu ga, chotto takasugi masu ne)
It’s pretty, but a little too expensive, isn’t it?
5. から (kara) – because/so
Indicates a reason or cause.
Example:
雨が降っているので、外に出られません
(ame ga futteiru node, soto ni deraremasen)
It’s raining, so I can’t go outside.
6. ので (node) – because/so
Similar to “kara” but can also indicate a consequence.
Example:
眠いので、寝ます
(nemui node, nemasu)
I’m sleepy, so I’ll go to sleep.
7. または (mata wa) – or
Used to indicate alternative choices, more formal than “ya.”
Example:
映画を見に行きたいですが、時間がないので、また今度ですね
(eiga o mi ni ikitai desu ga, jikan ga nai node, mata kondode su ne)
I want to go see a movie, but I don’t have time, so next time then.
8. も (mo) – also/too
Used to emphasize that something applies to both sides of a comparison or statement.
Example:
私 も 日本語を勉強しています
(watashi mo nihongo o benkyō shite imasu)
I am also studying Japanese.
9. そして (soshite) – and then/so
Connects two events or actions in a sequence.
Example:
朝起きて、ご飯を食べました。そして、仕事に行きました
(asa okite, gohan o tabemashita. soshite, shigoto ni ikimashita)
I woke up in the morning, ate breakfast, and then went to work.
10. けれど (shikashi) – however/but
Similar to “keredomo” but has a stronger contrasting tone.
Example:
日本語は難しいですが、習う価値はあります
(nihongo wa muzukashii desu ga, narau kachi wa arimasu)
Japanese is difficult, however, it’s worth learning.
Related Post:
JLPT N4 Conjunctions
Japanese conjunction you should know
