Which one should you use?
While しかし is formal, でも is the more common, informal way to say 'but' or 'however' in spoken conversation. けれども is a word for 'however' that is slightly more formal than でも but still appropriate for informal conversations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
しかし is a formal way to say 'however' and is commonly used in written Japanese or formal speeches. In contrast, でも is a common and versatile word for 'however' in informal contexts and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. For even more formal or specific contexts, ただし is an appropriate choice for 'however' in formal written documents or rules, often preceding conditions or exceptions, while 然るに is a sophisticated and literary word for 'however' commonly found in formal documents, historical texts or academic writings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, however, the word しかし is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to contrast it with the preceding sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
shikashi
Did you know?
- While しかし is a standard way to say 'however', you can also use the word が (ga) at the end of a sentence to create a 'hanging' contrast. This allows a speaker to imply a 'however' without ever actually saying a dedicated conjunction.
- The word しかし literally traces its origins back to the phrase 'being so'. It was originally a way of saying 'it being as it is, [contrast]'.
- While でも translates to 'however', it is often used as a filler word to soften a request or opinion, making the speaker sound less blunt.
Examples in context
- しかし、実際は違いました。Actually, however, this was not true.This sentence shows how to use しかし to express that something was not actually true.Tatoeba #216309 by KK_kaku_, translation #53612 by AlanF_US
- しかし生存者達は、その事実を知らなかった。However, the surivors didn't know the truth.This sentence demonstrates using しかし to start a sentence regarding survivors.Tatoeba #75017 by bunbuku, translation #13363319 by brightblackhole
- しかし、この成功は多くの問題を引き起こしました。However, this success caused many problems.This sentence shows how しかし can introduce a problem caused by a success.Tatoeba #10899695 by small_snow, translation #11893284 by zogwarg
- 彼は才能がある。しかし、努力しない限り成功はしないだろう。He has talent. However, unless he makes an effort, he probably won't succeed.
- ただし、条件としてこの書類にサインが必要です。However, as a condition, a signature is required on this document.
- 明日会えるよ。でも、時間は限られてるから早めに会おう。I can meet you tomorrow. But, time is limited, so let's meet early.
- 予約はできるけれども、キャンセルはできないよ。You can make a reservation, however, you cannot cancel.
- あの店、料理は美味しい。だけど、サービスがあまり良くないんだ。That shop, the food is delicious. However, the service is not very good.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- 結衣 Yuiこのパズル、かなり難しいね。Kono pazuru, kanari muzukashii ne.This puzzle is quite difficult, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaしかし、諦めたくないよ。Shikashi, akirametaku nai yo.However, I don't want to give up.
- 結衣 Yui陽太は本当に根気強いね。Yota wa hontou ni konkizuyoi ne.Yota, you really are persistent.
- 陽太 Yota絶対に見つけ出すからね。Zettai ni mitsukedasu kara ne.I will definitely find the answer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry しかし, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries しかし, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
