Translation guide
The English word 'but' is used to contrast ideas, introduce exceptions, or soften statements. In Japanese, the equivalent depends on the grammatical role: connecting clauses, starting a new sentence, or adding a nuance like 'however' or 'though'. The most common connector is が, but けど is more casual, and でも is used at the start of sentences. Learners should be careful not to overuse direct translations like しかし in casual speech.
I want to go, but I'm busy.
Polite, neutral connector
Connect two contrasting statements within one sentence, like 'A but B'.
The most standard and neutral way to say 'but' between clauses. Used in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal than けど. Attach directly after the plain form of the first clause.
This dish is delicious, but a bit expensive.
He is kind, but sometimes strict.
Casual and very common in everyday conversation. Can be used in polite speech as well (ですけど). Softer than が. Often shortened to けど without a following clause when the contrast is implied.
I want to watch a movie, but I don't have time.
A more formal or emphatic version of けど. Often used in writing or formal speech. Can be shortened to けれど or けども.
I tried hard, but I failed.
Expresses 'but' with a nuance of 'despite the fact that' or 'even though'. Often conveys surprise, disappointment, or frustration. The first clause is a fact that leads to an unexpected result.
Begin a sentence that contrasts with or adds a condition to the previous statement, like 'But...' or 'However...'.
The most common way to say 'but' at the beginning of a sentence. Casual and widely used in conversation. Can also be used to object or present a counterpoint.
End a sentence with 'but' to imply a contrast, hesitation, or to soften a statement, often leaving the rest unsaid.
Very common in conversation to trail off, express hesitation, or soften a refusal. The following clause is omitted but understood from context.
It's a bit expensive, but... (implying you might not buy it)
Express 'but' meaning 'except' or 'other than', as in 'nothing but' or 'anyone but'.
Means 'except N' or 'other than N'. Used to exclude something. Often followed by a negative or a limiting expression.
Emphasize that something is exclusively one thing, often with a negative structure.
Formal expression meaning 'nothing but N' or 'it is precisely N'. Used in writing or formal speech.
が is neutral and slightly formal, suitable for writing and polite speech. けど is casual and conversational, often used with friends. でも is used at the start of a sentence to mean 'but' or 'however'. Avoid using でも to connect clauses directly; it cannot replace が or けど in the middle of a sentence.
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
I like her, but she doesn't like me.
It's a bit expensive, but maybe I'll buy it.
Even though I ate a lot, I'm still hungry.
He promised, but he didn't come.
でも、私はそう思わない。
But I don't think so.
But wait a moment.
Formal 'however' or 'but'. Common in writing, speeches, and formal conversation. Sounds stiff in casual chat.
However, that's not the only problem.
Casual sentence-initial 'but', similar to でも but often used when the speaker is acknowledging the previous point before contrasting. Short for だけれども.
But still, I want to go.
Formal or literary 'but' used at the start of a sentence. Often found in written arguments or formal speeches. Can sound assertive or masculine.
But that is impossible.
I want to go, but... (implying there's a problem)
More formal version of the trailing 'but'. Used in polite conversation to soften a statement or refusal.
I'm sorry, but... (used to politely decline or give bad news)
Everyone came but him.
There is no way but this.
Means 'nothing but N' or 'only N'. The verb must be negative. Emphasizes limitation.
I drink nothing but water.
Means 'only N' or 'just N'. Can sometimes translate 'but' in restrictive contexts, though it's more 'only' than 'except'.
He is the only one who knows. / No one but him knows.
This is nothing but fate.
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
It's expensive. But I'll buy it.
しかし is a formal 'however' and can sound stiff or overly dramatic in casual conversation. In everyday speech, prefer でも or けど. Reserve しかし for presentations, essays, or formal discussions.
Ending a sentence with けど leaves the contrast implied and makes refusals or negative statements sound softer. It's a key strategy for polite indirectness in Japanese.
It's hard, but I'll try.
But that's not true!