でも
de mo[de̞ mo̞]
In Japanese, the phrase 'but' is expressed as でも (de mo).
In spoken Japanese, でも is frequently used at the beginning of a sentence to contradict a previous statement or to introduce a counter-argument. Note that in different grammatical contexts, でも can also mean 'even' or 'or something', but when it starts a sentence, it functions as 'but'.
Meaning: except (conj)
Which one should you use?
While でも is a common way to say 'but' in casual conversation, other forms exist for different levels of formality. しかし and しかしながら are used for more formal or written contexts. ただし is specifically used when introducing a condition or a limitation, often in written language. けど is a versatile, informal way to express 'but'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
でも is common in casual speech. For more formal situations, you might use けれども or the highly formal しかしながら, which is often used in public speeches or official settings. しかし serves as a slightly less formal alternative to しかしながら and is more common in written Japanese than でも.
How does it change in a sentence?
でも is used as a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence to mean 'but' or 'however'.
How do you pronounce it?
de mo
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers often avoid using でも or other words for 'but' when disagreeing to maintain harmony, opting for a pause or a vague phrase instead.
- The word でも is actually a combination of the copula 'to be' and the particle for 'also' or 'even'.
- Japanese speakers often use a 'but' structure at the end of a sentence to soften a request, making it sound less demanding than a direct command.
Examples in context
- でもなんで？But why?This example shows how to use でも to ask 'But why?'Tatoeba #1057336 by bunbuku, translation #457594 by FeuDRenais
- でも、いやだ。But I don't want to.This example uses でも to express a refusal, 'But I don't want to.'.Tatoeba #8504237 by kamojun, translation #1491670 by fanty
- でも、これは良くない。But this isn't good.This example uses でも to introduce a negative observation, 'But this isn't good.'.Tatoeba #10952578 by small_snow, translation #10952577 by CK
- 「彼女は頭が良いですが、勉強が苦手です。」She is smart, but she struggles with studying.
- 「商品は返品可能です。ただし、未開封の場合に限ります。」The product is returnable. However, it is limited to unopened cases.
- 「我々は経済成長を目指しています。しかしながら、課題も多く残されています。」We are aiming for economic growth. However, there are still many challenges remaining.
- 「行きたいけど、お金がないから行けない。」I want to go, but I can't because I don't have money.
- 「雨が降っているけど、傘がない。」It's raining, but I don't have an umbrella.
- 「彼は忙しいけど、頑張っている。」He is busy, but he's doing his best.
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hina and Ren are discussing what to eat for dinner.
- 陽葵 Himari今日はパスタにしましょう。Kyou wa pasuta ni shimashou.Let's have pasta today.
- 蓮 Renでも、昨日はパスタだったよ。Demo, kinou wa pasuta datta yo.But we had pasta yesterday.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、本当だった！A, hontou datta!Oh, you're right!
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、カレーにしようか。Jaa, karee ni shiyou ka.Then, shall we have curry?
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.
