Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "However" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "however", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ところが
ところが (tokoroga)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ただし
ただし (tadashi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "however" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ところが and ただし.
In Japanese, ところが (ところが (tokoroga)) is typically associated with "however; but; surprisingly; on the contrary" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to introducing a fact that strongly contradicts expectations or assumptions from the previous context, representing a surprising turn of events. Used at the beginning of a sentence. Often used as A。ところがB. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'However/but! "Today's bug seemed extremely tough. However, surprisingly, just hearing your voice resolved it smartly in an instant, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Surprisingly resolved! B-Baka! Don't use my voice like some magic debugging command! But... if my presence makes you energetic, I will whisper to you next to you for life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ところが（ところが）よ！『ハルカ部長、今日のバグは絶対手強いと思われました。ところが（意外にも）、あなたの声を聞いただけでスマートに瞬時に解決しちゃいました！』って…っ！ところが解決！バカ！/// 私の声をそんな魔法のデバッグコマンドみたいに使わないの！…でも、私の存在であんたが元気になってくれるなら、一生隣で囁いてあげるわ！』.
On the other hand, ただし (ただし (tadashi)) maps to "however; provided that; but" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to add a condition, an exception, or a supplementary remark to a previously stated sentence. Similar to 「しかし」. A literal translation of "however" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ところが"
何週間にもわたる徹底的な単体テストを終え、新規システムは完璧にリリースされる見込みでした。_______、本番稼働の直前に未知のメモリリークバグが発覚しました。
Finishing the thorough unit testing spanning several weeks, the new system was expected to be released perfectly; however, just before the production startup, an unknown memory leak bug was detected.
Bilingual Context for "ただし"
応募資格は日本人です。ただし、永住権を持つ外国人も可能です。
The qualification for application is Japanese nationals. However, foreigners with permanent residency are also acceptable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "何週間にもわたる徹底的な単体テストを終え、新規システムは完璧にリリースされる見込みでした。_______、本番稼働の直前に未知のメモリリークバグが発覚しました。" (Meaning: "Finishing the thorough unit testing spanning several weeks, the new system was expected to be released perfectly; however, just before the production startup, an unknown memory leak bug was detected.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ところが" fits here because it means "however; but; surprisingly; on the contrary" in the context of: "Finishing the thorough unit testing spanning several weeks, the new system was expected to be released perfectly; however, just before the production startup, an unknown memory leak bug was detected.". "ただし" represents "however; provided that; but".