Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "But" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "but", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
でも
でも (demo)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
但し
ただし (tadashi)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "but" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between でも and 但し.
In Japanese, でも (でも (demo)) is typically associated with "but, however, although" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used to introduce a contrasting or contradictory statement. It's often used conversationally and can be slightly less formal than しかし.
On the other hand, 但し (ただし (tadashi)) maps to "but, however" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "but" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "でも"
ラーメンが好きです。でも、毎日食べません。
I like ramen. But, I don't eat it every day.
Bilingual Context for "但し"
私は但しに興味があります。
I am interested in but, however.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ラーメンが好きです。 ＿＿＿ 、毎日食べません。" (Meaning: "I like ramen. But, I don't eat it every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "でも" fits here because it means "but, however, although" in the context of: "I like ramen. But, I don't eat it every day.". "但し" represents "but, however".