How to say "however" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- conjunctionThe all-purpose 'however': use it when the second statement simply contrasts with the first. It fits both writing and everyday speech, with no particular shading of its own.
- conjunction, particleA polite, softened way to say 'but; however'; it also works as 'although', conceding one point before turning to another. Natural in polite conversation.
- conjunctionSeldom a plain 'but': it introduces a proviso — 'provided that' — where the second statement limits or excepts the first, as in rules, conditions and definitions.
- adverb, conjunctionA longer, weightier counterpart of しかし: it drives home a firm 'nevertheless', asserting the second point in spite of the first. Choose it when the turn should sound deliberate.
- conjunction, particleThe short, conversational counterpart of けれど: a light 'but' or 'although' that often just loosely links two thoughts or softens the statement rather than marking a sharp contrast.
「しかし」 is the all-purpose 'however' for a plain contrast; 「ただし」 adds a proviso or exception; 「しかしながら」 gives the turn extra weight; 「けれど」 is the polite choice, 「けど」 the casual one.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- しかしhowever
- けれどbut
- ただしbut
- しかしながらhowever
- けどbut
- だけどbut
- でもbut
- ところがeven so
- だけれどもbut
- だがbut
- ですがbut
- だけどもbut
- それよりapart from that
- しかるにhowever
- と言ってといってhowever
- どうであれhowever
- がしかしhowever
- ばってんbut
- されどもnevertheless
- そうかと言ってそうかといってbut still
- ところがどっこいeven so
- いかほどhow much
- なれどbut
- どもbut
- さりながらnevertheless
- けんどbut
- じゃがbut
- ですけどbut
- それなのにand yet
- なのにand yet
- やのにand yet
- だのにand yet
- がbut
- いくらhowever (much)
- たってhowever
- いかにhowever (much)
- どんなにno matter how (much)
- なんぼhowever (much)
- どれほどno matter how (much)
- ただbut
See also
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