Japanese has five common ways to say "but" or "however" でも, けど, けれども, しかし, and が. They all express contrast, but they differ in formality, position in the sentence, and feel. Mixing them up won't cause misunderstanding, but using the wrong one sounds unnatural.
| Word | Reading | Formality | Position | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| でも | demo | casual | Sentence start only | Natural, conversational |
| けど | kedo | casual | Mid-sentence; can open sentence casually | Soft, hedging, very common |
| けれども | keredomo | semi-formal | Mid-sentence (after clause) | Polite, written, gentle |
| しかし | shikashi | formal | Sentence start only | Strong contrast, written/speech |
| が | ga | formal/polite | Mid-sentence (after clause) | Soft contrast, business Japanese |
1. でも casual "but", always at the start
The most natural "but" for everyday casual conversation. It always begins a new sentence you can never attach it to the end of a clause mid-sentence.
Common mistake: 〇〇でもXX mid-sentence doesn't work for "but" でも can only start a sentence. Use けど instead.
2. けど the everyday connector
Probably the most frequently used "but" in casual spoken Japanese. It attaches directly to the end of a clause to connect two ideas in one sentence. It can also open a sentence informally (like でも, but softer). Trailing off with けど implies "but..." without finishing, which is very Japanese.
3. けれども polite, written feel
The fuller, more formal version of けど. Same grammar position (mid-sentence), but sounds more careful and polite. Common in formal speech, writing, and business email. けれど and けれども are interchangeable けれど is slightly softer.
4. しかし strong contrast, formal
The most emphatic "however". Like でも it only appears at the start of a sentence, but it carries more weight expect it in news, essays, debates, and formal speeches. Using it in casual conversation sounds stiff or dramatic.
5. が the polite mid-sentence contrast
Attaches mid-sentence like けど, but is more formal and neutral it doesn't carry the casual hedging feel. Very common in business Japanese and polite requests. It's also used in phone calls and email to soften what follows. Be careful: が is also the subject marker; context will always make it clear which one it is.
Which one to use?
Casual speech
- でも new sentence, natural in conversation
- けど mid-sentence, most common, also softens statements
Formal / business
- しかし new sentence, strong contrast (essays, news)
- けれども mid-sentence, polite written feel
- が mid-sentence, business Japanese, very soft
Context quiz
Pick the right "but" for each situation.
Business email declining a request. The conjunction sits mid-sentence, connecting two clauses politely.
Texting a friend: you want to meet but you're busy. Mid-sentence, completely casual.
Formal essay: you stated a fact, now you want to open the next sentence with a strong contrast.
Casual conversation: you want to start a new sentence contrasting what you just said.
Polite phone call: you want to contrast mid-sentence with a written, careful feel not business, not casual.
Fast rule: Talking to a friend? Use けど mid-sentence or でも to start. Writing an email or formal speech? Use けれども mid-sentence or しかし to open. Business Japanese? が is your polite workhorse.