Which one should you use?
While でも is a common way to express 'but', other forms exist for different contexts. だけど is another casual way to say 'but', whereas しかし is used for 'but' or 'however' in formal writing or polite speech. For emphasizing an unexpected or surprising contrast, one might use the formal expression にもかかわらず, which is similar to 'although'. Additionally, the particle のに can express 'but' when the speaker wants to imply frustration or dissatisfaction.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
でも is an informal expression primarily used in conversational speech. For formal situations or writing, you should use しかし instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a conjunction starting a sentence, it functions as 'but'. When attached to a noun, it functions as a particle meaning 'even' or 'or something'.
How do you pronounce it?
de mo
Did you know?
- The word でも is formed by combining the conjunctive form of the copula だ and the inclusive particle も meaning 'even' or 'too'.
- Using でも as 'or something' is a common way to make a request or suggestion sound more humble and less demanding.
- The formal しかし is so stiff that using it in a casual conversation with friends can make you sound like a character in a textbook or a novel.
Examples in context
- でもなんで？But why?This sentence is useful for asking 'But why?' using でも.Tatoeba #1057336 by bunbuku, translation #457594 by FeuDRenais
- でも、いやだ。But I don't want to.This sentence is useful for expressing 'But I don't want to' using でも.Tatoeba #8504237 by kamojun, translation #1491670 by fanty
- でも、これは良くない。But this isn't good.This sentence is useful for stating 'But this isn't good' using でも.Tatoeba #10952578 by small_snow, translation #10952577 by CK
- 「行きたい、だけど予定があるから行けないんだ。」I want to go, but I can't because I have prior plans.
- 「お金がないけど、でも欲しいものがあるんだよね。」I don't have money, but there are things I want.
- 「他の人には知られていないにもかかわらず、彼女は成功を収めた。」Although unknown to others, she achieved success.
- 「時間があるのに、何もできないんだ。」Although I have time, I can't do anything.
- 「彼は努力をしたが、結果が出なかった。」He made an effort, but there was no result.
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing which movie to watch.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画は見たいです。Kono eiga wa mitai desu.I want to see this movie.
- 健太 Kentaでも、時間がありません。Demo, jikan ga arimasen.But, we don't have time.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、短い映画にしましょう。Jaa, mijikai eiga ni shimashou.Then, let's choose a short movie.
- 健太 Kentaいいですね。そうしましょう。Ii desu ne. Sou shimashou.That's a good idea. Let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry でも, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries でも, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
