How to say but in Japanese and why you would want to

4 Ways to Negate Anything in Japanese - Ghetto grammar Lesson #104 :
Usage of the preposition but, in Japanese.

It is never a wise idea to refute the ideas of others. However, in the normal processes of direct communication between two individuals or groups of people, the preposition but in modern Japanese can be seen expressed in at least 4 different ways thus giving you the power if you so choose to negate just about anything you want. Because this article won't to but for an answer. In this article I will show you at least 4 ways the preposition but is used in Japanese.

but – ga
but – shikashi (however)
but – kedo, keredo, keredemo
but – demo


Ex. 1. I want to kiss her; but, she won’t let me!
Kanojo ni kissu sasete moraitiai keredemo sasete moraenai

Ex. 2. Here English skills are no good, but she sure can cook though!
Kanojo no eigo wa dame nan da kedo, ryori wa umai no da!

Ex. 3. He said he was a doctor, however to tell you the real truth, he is just an ordinary
dentist! Kare wa isha da to iute imashita, shikashi honmono no shinri to iu to
kare wa tada no haishasan!

re-yaku – Ex. 3. Kare wa isha da tte! Demo honki wa taishita mon ja nai.


Ex. 4. The president has completely died, but his spirit lives on.
Daitoryosan wa shinde shimaimashita (See lesson 97 for the plug and play learning system to master the Japanese grammar Base TE + shimau ) ga kare no rei wa mada ikitsuzuite imasu.

Ex. 5. But …I wanted the pink one!
Demo… pinku no yatsu ga hoshikatta no da!

Ex. 6. I like her but don't you think she is short?
Ore wa kanojo ga suki nanya kedo, chotto se ga hikui to omouwan?

It is usually easy to tell on hearing the syllable ga spoken in Japanese whether it is the participle ga, or the preposition ga. The preposition ga when it is meant to mean but, is usually accompanied by a small pause and its use is more formal than any of the keredemo or demo variations. It is best to think of shikashi as however and keredomo variations as but.

As usual, Ganbatte Ne! Do your best! Makurasuki sensei yori