Learn Japanese
How to say “But” in Japanese
In Japanese, “but” is commonly expressed as:
1. でも (demo) – Casual, used in everyday conversation to show contrast.
Example:
映画を見たい、でもお金がない。
(Eiga o mitai, demo okane ga nai.)
I want to watch a movie, but I don’t have money.
2. しかし (shikashi) – Formal, used in writing or formal speech.
Example:
計画は良かった。しかし、失敗した。
(Keikaku wa yokatta. Shikashi, shippai shita.)
“The plan was good. However, it failed.”
3. けれども (keredomo) – Polite or slightly formal, softer contrast.
Example:
行きたいけれども、仕事がある。
(Ikitai keredomo, shigoto ga aru.)
“I want to go, but I have work.”
4. けど (kedo) – Informal, commonly used in casual speech among friends or peers.
けど (kedo) is another way to say “but”, “however” and is a more casual, conversational version of けれども (keredomo). It’s widely used in spoken Japanese to express contrast or soften a statement.
Example:
映画を見たいけど、時間がない。
(Eiga o mitai kedo, jikan ga nai.)
“I want to watch a movie, but I don’t have time.”
彼は優しいけど、ちょっと頑固だね。
(Kare wa yasashii kedo, chotto ganko da ne.)
“He’s kind, but a bit stubborn, isn’t he?”
日本語を勉強したいけど、難しいね。
(Nihongo o benkyou shitai kedo, muzukashii ne.)
“I want to study Japanese, but it’s difficult, isn’t it?”
昨日、楽しかったけど、疲れたよ。
(Kinou, tanoshikatta kedo, tsukareta yo.)
“Yesterday was fun, but I’m tired.”
パーティーに行きたいけど、宿題がある。
(Paatii ni ikitai kedo, shukudai ga aru.)
“I want to go to the party, but I have homework.”
寒いけど、外で遊びたい？
(Samui kedo, soto de asobitai?)
“It’s cold, but do you want to play outside?”
Quick Tips:
Use でも for casual settings with friends.
Use しかし for formal situations or writing.
Use けれども for polite or gentle contrast.
Use けど for Informal, used in friends or peers.
Related Post:
Mastering Japanese Greetings
“And” in Japanese
