だってBut/because (defensive reason)
だって begins a casual response that pushes back against criticism, advice, a command, or an assumption by giving the speaker’s reason or excuse.
How it works
だって often does the work of both “but” and “because.” The speaker rejects or resists what was just said, then immediately supplies a reason. It is therefore not a neutral, all-purpose way to introduce a cause.
Answering criticism
早く宿題を始めなよ。
Come on, start your homework.
Analyzeだって、まだ晩ご飯を食べてるんだよ。
But I’m still eating dinner.
AnalyzeThe second speaker resists the instruction and gives a reason that makes it unreasonable to act immediately.
Pushback and reason together
An English translation may naturally use either “but” or “because,” and sometimes both ideas are present at once. The important point is the interaction: the speaker is not merely explaining; they are answering something they disagree with or feel pressured by.
Not limited to children
会議で、もっと意見を言えばよかったのに。
You should have spoken up more in the meeting.
Analyzeだって、部長がまだ説明してる途中だったんだよ。
But the department head was still in the middle of explaining.
AnalyzeAdults use this form too. Here it sounds conversational and mildly defensive rather than childish.
Do not confuse identical-looking forms
The connective taught here stands independently at the beginning of a response: だって + the speaker’s reason. Hearsay んだって follows reported content and tells the listener what someone said or what the speaker heard. Concessive たって / だって attaches to a preceding form and means roughly “even if” or “even though.” Position and purpose, not spelling alone, tell you which one you are seeing.
More examples
「なんで断ったの？」「だって、急すぎたんだよ。」
“Why did you turn it down?” “Because it was much too sudden.”
Analyze「傘、持っていかないの？」「だって、晴れてるよ。」
“Aren’t you taking an umbrella?” “But it’s sunny.”
Analyze「また電車に乗り遅れたの？」「だって、目覚ましが鳴らなかったんだ。」
“Did you miss the train again?” “But my alarm didn’t go off.”
Analyze「会議で何も言わなかったね。」「だって、話す時間がなかったんだよ。」
“You didn’t say anything in the meeting.” “But there wasn’t time for me to speak.”
Analyze「この映画、見ないの？」「だって、怖いのは苦手なんだ。」
“You’re not watching this movie?” “Because I’m not good with scary things.”
Analyze「もっと注文しようよ。」「だって、もうおなかいっぱいだよ。」
“Let’s order some more.” “But I’m already full.”
Analyze