LingakuLesson 19 of 126
The lesson
2.3 But...
Overview
Learn how Japanese expresses contrast using が, けど, けれど, and けれども, and how these forms differ mainly in tone and formality.
Japanese uses several words to express contrast. They are similar in meaning to “but”, but differ mainly in tone.
が is polite or neutral and often used in careful speech.
けど is casual and common in everyday conversation.
けれど is more polite and balanced, often used when explaining a reason.
けれども is the most formal and is often used in writing or careful speech.
These forms are often used at the end of a sentence. Leaving the thought unfinished sounds softer and more indirect in Japanese.
Dialogue
Today, it is raining. Outside is cold.
I want to go to school. But it’s raining.
I have a friend. My friend said, “Let’s go.” However, I am a little tired.
I have an umbrella. However, the wind is strong.
Even so, I went to school. School is hard. But it is fun.
New words
Grammar
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