でもBut; however (conversational)
でも begins a new sentence or reply that contrasts with, corrects, or limits what was just said. It is the everyday conversational equivalent of “but” or “though.”
How it works
でも looks back to the previous sentence and signals that the next statement does not fully follow from it. The contrast can be strong, but in conversation it is often a gentle “yes, but…” that adds a practical problem, exception, or different view.
A simple contrast
この店は安いです。でも、今日は休みです。
This store is inexpensive. But it is closed today.
AnalyzeA mild objection
明日、一緒に映画を見ませんか。
Would you like to see a movie together tomorrow?
Analyzeでも、明日は仕事があります。
But I have work tomorrow.
AnalyzeThe reply does not reject the invitation abruptly. It first introduces the problem that prevents acceptance.
A correction
会議は三時からですね。
The meeting starts at three, right?
Analyzeでも、三時ではなく、二時からです。
But it starts at two, not three.
Analyzeでも can soften the transition into a correction, though tone of voice still matters.
Do not identify it by spelling alone
The connective でも begins a new contrasting sentence. When the same form is attached directly to a noun, it belongs to other patterns, including loose examples or suggestions and certain “even if” expressions. For a more deliberate sentence-level contrast, especially in organized writing, しかし is usually more suitable.
More examples
天気はいいです。でも、風が強いです。
The weather is nice. But the wind is strong.
Analyzeこの本は長いです。でも、とても面白いです。
This book is long. But it is very interesting.
Analyze駅まで歩きましょう。でも、雨が降っていますよ。
Let’s walk to the station. But it is raining.
Analyze田中さんは来ません。でも、山田さんは来ます。
Mr. Tanaka is not coming. But Ms. Yamada is.
Analyzeその部屋は小さい。でも、明るくてきれいだ。
That room is small. But it is bright and clean.
Analyze今日は月曜日です。でも、学校は休みです。
Today is Monday. But school is closed.
Analyze