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.
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.
この料理は美味しいが、少し高い。
This dish is delicious, but a bit expensive.
彼は親切だが、時々厳しい。
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.
映画を見たいけど、時間がない。
I want to watch a movie, but I don't have time.
ちょっと高いけど、買おうかな。
It's a bit expensive, but maybe I'll buy it.
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.
努力したけれども、失敗した。
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.
たくさん食べたのに、まだお腹が空いている。
Even though I ate a lot, I'm still hungry.
彼は約束したのに、来なかった。
He promised, but he didn't come.
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.
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.
彼以外はみんな来た。
Everyone came but him.
これ以外に方法はない。
There is no way but this.
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.
これは運命にほかならない。
This is nothing but fate.
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.
高いが、買う。 (formal)
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
高いけど、買う。 (casual)
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
高い。でも、買う。 (sentence break)
It's expensive. But I'll buy it.
彼女のことが好きだけど、彼女は私のことを好きじゃない。
I like her, but she doesn't like me.
難しいけど、やってみる。
It's hard, but I'll try.
でも、それは本当じゃない！
But that's not true!
But I don't think so.
でも、ちょっと待って。
But wait a moment.
Formal 'however' or 'but'. Common in writing, speeches, and formal conversation. Sounds stiff in casual chat.
しかし、問題はそれだけではない。
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.
だけど、やっぱり行きたい。
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.
だが、それは不可能だ。
But that is impossible.
More formal version of the trailing 'but'. Used in polite conversation to soften a statement or refusal.
申し訳ありませんが…
I'm sorry, but... (used to politely decline or give bad news)
Means 'nothing but N' or 'only N'. The verb must be negative. Emphasizes limitation.
水しか飲まない。
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'.
彼だけが知っている。
He is the only one who knows. / No one but him knows.
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 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.