Translation guide
Expresses contrast or an unexpected result, similar to 'but' or 'however'. The most common Japanese equivalents are でも, しかし, and なのに, but the best choice depends on formality, sentence structure, and the strength of the contrast.
To connect two sentences or clauses where the second contradicts the expectation set by the first, in everyday conversation.
A casual conjunction used at the beginning of a sentence or after a clause. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼は優しい。でも、時々厳しい。
He is kind. And yet, sometimes he is strict.
Similar to でも but slightly more colloquial. Often used to connect clauses within a sentence.
彼は優しい。だけど、時々厳しい。
He is kind. And yet, sometimes he is strict.
To express a contrast in more formal speech or writing, such as essays, news, or business settings.
A formal conjunction meaning 'however' or 'and yet'. Commonly used in writing and formal speech.
努力した。しかし、結果は出なかった。
I made an effort. And yet, I didn't get results.
Formal and somewhat literary. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
彼は有能だ。だが、経験が足りない。
He is capable. And yet, he lacks experience.
To strongly emphasize that something happens or is true despite what was just said. Often used with nouns, adjectives, or verbs in the preceding clause.
Attaches to nouns and na-adjectives. Expresses 'even though' or 'and yet'. Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は病気なのに、仕事に行った。
He is sick, and yet he went to work.
Attaches directly to verbs and i-adjectives. Expresses 'even though' or 'and yet'. Slightly more casual than なのに.
たくさん食べたのに、まだお腹が空いている。
I ate a lot, and yet I'm still hungry.
To highlight that something did not happen or is not the case, contrary to what was expected.
A conjunction meaning 'and yet' or 'despite that'. Used at the beginning of a sentence to refer back to the previous statement.
彼は約束した。それなのに、来なかった。
He promised. And yet, he didn't come.
A formal expression meaning 'in spite of' or 'and yet'. Often used in written language.
でも is casual and common in speech. しかし is formal and used in writing or formal speech. なのに emphasizes the unexpectedness and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but it attaches to the preceding clause rather than starting a new sentence.
彼は若い。でも、とても賢い。
He is young. And yet, he is very smart.
彼は若い。しかし、とても賢い。
He is young. And yet, he is very smart.
彼は若いのに、とても賢い。
He is young, and yet he is very smart.
English 'and yet' can often be translated as そしてまだ, but this is unnatural in Japanese. Use the appropriate conjunction or pattern based on the context.
彼は一生懸命勉強したのに、試験に落ちた。
He studied hard, and yet he failed the exam.
彼女は大丈夫だと言った。それなのに、悲しそうだった。
She said she was fine, and yet she looked sad.
雨にもかかわらず、彼は出かけた。
It was raining, and yet he went out.