が・
Choosing a contrast connector
Choose in two steps: first decide whether to attach the contrast to the first clause or begin a new sentence; then decide what kind of turn the second statement makes. It may simply qualify the first point, push back conversationally, remain true despite an obstacle, reveal an unexpected development, or express a jarring failure of expectation.
Start with the connection you mean
English “but” covers all of these relationships, so the intended connection matters more than the English translation.
Attach a plain contrast or reservation
が・けど・けれど・けれども
The second clause directly qualifies the first, or the reservation can be left unspoken.
These forms attach to the preceding clause rather than opening a separate sentence.
Open a general opposing statement
しかし・でも
しかし gives an organized, deliberate turn; でも gives conversational pushback, correction, or redirection.
Continue despite an obstacle
それでも
You accept the first fact but say that the following decision, state, or result still holds.
Reveal what unexpectedly happened
ところが
A story or explanation has set up one likely outcome, but the actual development goes another way.
React to a violated expectation
それなのに
The result clashes with what should normally follow, often prompting surprise, disappointment, or criticism.
One plain contrast, three levels of connection
The rent is low, but the apartment is far from the station.
家賃は安いけど、駅から遠い。
The rent is low, but it is far from the station.
AnalyzeA relaxed, clause-linked contrast.
家賃は安いです。しかし、駅から遠いです。
The rent is low. However, it is far from the station.
AnalyzeThe separate sentence makes the turn more deliberate and organized.
家賃は安いよ。でも、駅から遠いよ。
The rent is low. But it is far from the station.
AnalyzeThis sounds like an ordinary conversational response or reservation.
Takeaway: The factual contrast is nearly the same. What changes is whether it stays inside one sentence and whether the new turn sounds conversational or deliberately organized.
A contrast can trail off
今夜、食事に行きませんか。
Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?
Analyze明日は朝が早いんですけど……。
I have an early morning tomorrow, though...
AnalyzeThe context supplies the missing conclusion: the speaker is probably declining. This can soften a refusal or reservation, but it needs enough context to avoid sounding merely unfinished.
Three ways to reverse an expectation
それでも looks forward from an accepted obstacle: “despite that, this still holds.” ところが reveals the actual turn in events: “one would expect this, but what happened was different.” それなのに draws attention to the mismatch itself: “given that situation, this result should not have happened.” It often carries more personal reaction, though it need not express anger.
Obstacle, surprise, or complaint?
Heavy snow creates an expectation about what a shop will do or what will happen there.
外は大雪だった。それでも、店は営業を続けた。
There was heavy snow outside. Even so, the shop stayed open.
AnalyzeThe snow is accepted as an obstacle, but the shop’s activity continues.
外は大雪だった。ところが、店内は客でいっぱいだった。
There was heavy snow outside. However, the shop was packed with customers.
AnalyzeThe second sentence reports the surprising reality.
外は大雪だった。それなのに、店は入口の雪を片づけていなかった。
There was heavy snow outside. And yet, the shop had not cleared the snow from its entrance.
AnalyzeThe failure to clear the entrance is treated as unreasonable, so the wording readily sounds critical.
Takeaway: Ask what you want to emphasize: something continued, reality took a surprising turn, or the result feels notably wrong for the situation.
Where each choice feels at home
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Form | Typical effect | Common settings |
|---|---|---|
| けど | Relaxed qualification or reservation | Everyday conversation, messages, and informal prose |
| が・けれど・けれども | Neutral, careful, or deliberate clause linking | Polite conversation and general writing |
| しかし | Explicit, organized opposition | Essays, reports, speeches, meetings, and careful explanations |
| でも | Conversational objection, correction, or redirection | Ordinary conversation and informal writing |
| それでも・ところが・それなのに | A more specific relationship than plain opposition | Both conversation and writing; choose by meaning rather than formality alone |
These are tendencies, not rigid bans. In particular, the last three forms are neutral enough for both speech and writing.
More examples across the family
このパソコンは古いけど、まだ十分使えます。
This computer is old, but it is still perfectly usable.
Analyzeその日は別の予定があるんですが……。
I have another commitment that day, though...
AnalyzeIn a suitable context, the unfinished reservation gently communicates that the speaker cannot accept.
新しい制度は手続きが簡単です。しかし、利用できる人は限られています。
The new system has a simple application process. However, eligibility is limited.
Analyze今から出れば間に合うよ。でも、切符はもう買ったの？
We’ll make it if we leave now. But have you bought the tickets yet?
Analyze何度も断られた。それでも、彼女は交渉を続けた。
She was turned down repeatedly. Even so, she continued negotiating.
Analyze会場は空いていると思っていた。ところが、着いてみると長い列ができていた。
I thought the venue would be quiet. However, when I arrived, there was a long line.
Analyze確認のメールを二度送った。それなのに、予約は入っていなかった。
I sent two confirmation emails. And yet, the reservation had not been recorded.
Analyze彼は初めて大会に出た。それなのに、最後まで落ち着いていた。
It was his first time competing. And yet, he remained calm to the end.
AnalyzeThe unexpected result is positive, showing that this connector does not always express criticism.