けど | Grammar

Structure

[verb (plain)] + けど/けれど/けれども
[i-adj] + けど/けれど/けれども
[na-adj] + だ + けど/けれど/けれども
[noun] + だ + けど/けれど/けれども
[verb (polite)] + けど/けれど/けれども
[i-adj 〜い → 〜いです] + けど/けれど/けれども
[na-adj] + です + けど/けれど/けれども
[noun] + です + けど/けれど/けれども

Note: けど is most casual, けれど is slightly more formal, けれども is most formal. Second clause may be omitted for implied meaning.

Description

The ～けど structure is an informal conjunction used to connect two clauses, expressing contrast or contradiction. It is the casual counterpart of ～が and is used in conversation.

、。

I’m busy, but I’ll help.

It is used at the end of a sentence without completing the second clause, leaving the implied meaning for the listener to interpret.

きごう…。

I want to go, but… (implying a hesitation).

Alternative forms: けれど and けれども

けれど is a slightly more formal version of けど, used in polite speech, while けれども is the most formal.

Examples

、。

I’m busy, but I’ll help.

、。

This book is interesting, but difficult.

、。

He is kind, but a bit strict.

、。

It’s raining, but I’m going outside.

、。

I don’t have money, but I want to travel.

、。

This road is short, but dangerous.

、。

She’s a student, but she also works.

、。

It’s quiet, but a bit lonely.

、。

I studied, but I failed the exam.

だっ、。

It was tough, but it was fun.

きごう…。

I want to go, but… (implying hesitation).

References

KedoTofugu