What does it mean word for word?
けど is a contraction of the more formal けれども. In this form, kere is a conditional form and domo is a particle meaning 'although'.
Which one should you use?
だけど is a casual expression used to indicate contrast or to add information to a sentence. けれども is the polite and formal version of 'though' suitable for both written and spoken Japanese. For even more formal situations involving unexpected outcomes, you might use にもかかわらず (despite) or とはいえ when expressing an opinion or stating a fact that may not be widely accepted.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
けど is the colloquial, conversational version of けれども and is considered informal. だけど is also an informal expression used for casual contrast.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can attach けど directly to the end of verbs and adjectives to create a 'though' or 'but' clause.
How do you pronounce it?
kedo
Did you know?
- You can end a sentence with けど without ever stating the second half of the thought. This is often done to leave a sentence 'open' and avoid sounding too blunt or assertive in social situations.
- The word けど was first recorded in written form in 1732.
- In extremely polite or professional Japanese, using けど can actually sound quite childish or rude. In those cases, speakers must switch to much longer forms like けれども to maintain the proper social distance.
Examples in context
- 雪だけど、行かなくっちゃ。Even though it's snowing, I have to go.This sentence shows how to use けど to express a contrast involving weather and necessity.Tatoeba #10705059 by small_snow, translation #10705054 by CK
- だけど、それって本当なの？Is that true, though?This sentence demonstrates using だけど to ask a question with a sense of contrast.Tatoeba #10792791 by small_snow, translation #9766520 by shekitten
- 電車で寝たことはないけどね。Sleeping on the train is something I haven't done, though.This sentence shows using けど at the end of a sentence to add a nuance of 'though' to a personal experience.Tatoeba #9634130 by small_snow, translation #10315635 by terrywallwork
- 彼女は頭が良いけれども、時々忘れっぽいです。She is smart, though sometimes forgetful.
- 大雨にもかかわらず、彼は会議に間に合いました。Despite the heavy rain, he made it to the meeting on time.
- 疲れていたとはいえ、彼は頑張りました。Though he was tired, he did his best.
- 忙しいけど、食べに行きたいです。I'm busy, but I still want to go eat.
- 寒いけど、冬は好きです。It's cold, though I love winter.
- 彼女は大学に行っているけど、まだ就職先がない。She's attending university, though she doesn't have a job yet.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about a new restaurant in town.
- 健太 Kentaあの店、すごく人気があるみたいだよ。Ano mise, sugoku ninki ga aru mitai da yo.It looks like that restaurant is really popular.
- 陽葵 Himari高いけど、一度行ってみたいね。Takai kedo, ichido itte mitai ne.It is expensive, though, I want to try going once.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵なら、きっと気に入ると思うよ。Himari nara, kitto kiniiru to omou yo.I think you would definitely like it, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari楽しみ！予約してくれる？Tanoshimi! Yoyaku shite kureru?I'm looking forward to it! Can you make a reservation?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry けど, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries けど, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
