The English word “however” seems straightforward, but its Japanese equivalents offer a rich tapestry of expressions, each with its own subtle nuance and contextual appropriateness. Mastering these alternatives is crucial for achieving fluency and avoiding misunderstandings in spoken and written Japanese. This article delves deep into the common translations of “however,” exploring their meanings, usage, and providing practical examples to help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
But, However, and Yet: Understanding the Core Concepts
Before we dive into the Japanese translations, it’s helpful to understand the different shades of meaning associated with “but,” “however,” and “yet” in English. While they can often be used interchangeably, subtle differences exist. “But” typically introduces a contrast or exception. “However” is a more formal and stronger way of introducing a contrast, often used to signal a shift in the line of argument. “Yet” implies a sense of surprise or unexpectedness, often highlighting something that contradicts a prior expectation. These nuances are crucial for accurately translating these words into Japanese.
“Demo” (でも): The Versatile “But”
“Demo” (でも) is perhaps the most common and versatile translation of “but” and, in some contexts, “however.” It’s a conjunction that connects two clauses, indicating a contrast or exception. Its relative informality makes it suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing.
Usage: “Demo” simply links two opposing ideas. It does not carry the strong adversative force of some other options.
Example: “映画を見たいです。でも、お金がありません。” (Eiga o mitai desu. Demo, okane ga arimasen.) – “I want to see a movie. But, I don’t have money.”
“宿題は終わった。でも、まだ時間がある。” (Shukudai wa owatta. Demo, mada jikan ga aru.) – “I finished my homework. But, I still have time.”
Consider the context. If you are in a formal situation, using “demo” might feel too casual.
“Shikashi” (しかし): The Formal “However”
“Shikashi” (しかし) is a more formal equivalent of “however.” It carries a stronger sense of contrast than “demo” and is often used in academic writing, formal speeches, and business communications.
Usage: “Shikashi” is best employed when a strong counter-argument or a significant divergence is being presented.
Example: “彼は一生懸命勉強した。しかし、試験に落ちてしまった。” (Kare wa isshoukenmei benkyou shita. Shikashi, shiken ni ochite shimatta.) – “He studied very hard. However, he failed the exam.”
“新しい政策は導入された。しかし、効果はまだ見られない。” (Atarashii seisaku wa dounyuu sareta. Shikashi, kouka wa mada mirarenai.) – “The new policy was introduced. However, the effect is not yet visible.”
“Shikashi” is your best bet in situations where you need to maintain a professional or respectful tone.
“Keredomo/Keredo” (けれども/けれど): A Middle Ground
“Keredomo” (けれども) and its shorter form “keredo” (けれど) occupy a middle ground between “demo” and “shikashi” in terms of formality. They convey a sense of “although” or “even though” in addition to “but” or “however.”
Usage: “Keredomo/Keredo” suggests a contrast, often implying that the second clause is somewhat unexpected given the first clause.
Example: “雨が降っているけれども、出かけます。” (Ame ga futteiru keredomo, dekakemasu.) – “It’s raining, but I’m going out.” or “Even though it’s raining, I’m going out.”
“彼は日本語が上手だけれど、漢字は苦手だ。” (Kare wa nihongo ga jouzu dakedo, kanji wa nigate da.) – “He is good at Japanese, but he is not good at kanji.”
The choice between “keredomo” and “keredo” often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of the sentence. “Keredomo” is slightly more formal than “keredo.”
“Sore de mo” (それでも): “Even So,” “Despite That”
“Sore de mo” (それでも) translates to “even so,” “despite that,” or “nevertheless.” It emphasizes that something is true despite a preceding condition that might suggest otherwise.
Usage: “Sore de mo” highlights the resilience or persistence of something in the face of adversity or opposing circumstances.
Example: “彼は病気だった。それでも、仕事に行った。” (Kare wa byouki datta. Sore de mo, shigoto ni itta.) – “He was sick. Even so, he went to work.”
“値段は高い。それでも、欲しい。” (Nedan wa takai. Sore de mo, hoshii.) – “The price is high. Nevertheless, I want it.”
“Sore de mo” is powerful in conveying determination or highlighting a surprising outcome.
“Daga” (だが): A Literary and Formal “But”
“Daga” (だが) is a formal and somewhat literary alternative to “but” or “however.” It is less commonly used in everyday conversation and is more frequently found in written texts, particularly in journalistic or academic contexts.
Usage: “Daga” adds a level of sophistication and formality to your writing, suitable for situations where precision and a serious tone are required.
Example: “経済状況は改善された。だが、まだ多くの課題が残っている。” (Keizai joukyou wa kaizen sareta. Daga, mada ooi no kadai ga nokotteiru.) – “The economic situation has improved. However, many challenges still remain.”
“彼は優れた才能を持っていた。だが、努力を怠った。” (Kare wa sugureta sainou o motteita. Daga, doryoku o okotatta.) – “He had excellent talent. But, he neglected to make an effort.”
Avoid using “daga” in casual conversations as it can sound overly stiff.
“Tokoroga” (ところが): “However,” Expressing Surprise
“Tokoroga” (ところが) is a unique translation of “however” that also carries a sense of surprise or unexpectedness. It’s used when the second clause contradicts or deviates significantly from what was expected based on the first clause.
Usage: “Tokoroga” introduces a twist or a surprising turn of events, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation.
Example: “鍵をかけたはずだった。ところが、ドアが開いていた。” (Kagi o kaketa hazu datta. Tokoroga, doa ga aiteita.) – “I should have locked the door. However, the door was open.”
“彼は成功すると思った。ところが、失敗してしまった。” (Kare wa seikou suru to omotta. Tokoroga, shippai shite shimatta.) – “I thought he would succeed. However, he failed.”
Using “tokoroga” effectively can add a dramatic flair to your storytelling.
“Hanmen” (反面): “On the Other Hand”
“Hanmen” (反面) translates to “on the other hand” or “conversely.” It is used to present a contrasting aspect or viewpoint of the same subject.
Usage: “Hanmen” is ideal for comparing and contrasting different sides of an issue, highlighting the duality or multifaceted nature of the topic.
Example: “彼は仕事ができる。反面、時間にルーズだ。” (Kare wa shigoto ga dekiru. Hanmen, jikan ni ruuzu da.) – “He is good at his job. On the other hand, he is not punctual.”
“この薬は効果がある。反面、副作用もある。” (Kono kusuri wa kouka ga aru. Hanmen, fukusayou mo aru.) – “This medicine is effective. On the other hand, it also has side effects.”
“Hanmen” is useful when you want to present a balanced perspective on a topic.
Choosing the Right Word: Context is Key
Selecting the appropriate Japanese translation for “however” depends heavily on the context of the sentence, the level of formality required, and the specific nuance you want to convey. “Demo” is your go-to option for casual conversations, while “shikashi” is more suitable for formal writing and speeches. “Keredomo/keredo” provides a middle ground, and “sore de mo” emphasizes resilience. “Daga” is reserved for literary or highly formal contexts, and “tokoroga” introduces an element of surprise. “Hanmen” helps in presenting contrasting viewpoints.
Mastering these nuances will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in Japanese. Pay close attention to how native speakers use these words, and practice incorporating them into your own speech and writing. Through careful observation and consistent practice, you can confidently navigate the complexities of “however” in Japanese and achieve a deeper understanding of the language. Consider this table for a concise comparison:
| Word | Formality | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| でも (Demo) | Informal | Simple contrast | 映画を見たいです。でも、お金がありません。 |
| しかし (Shikashi) | Formal | Strong contrast | 彼は一生懸命勉強した。しかし、試験に落ちてしまった。 |
| けれども/けれど (Keredomo/Keredo) | Semi-formal | Although, even though | 雨が降っているけれども、出かけます。 |
| それでも (Sore de mo) | Neutral | Even so, despite that | 彼は病気だった。それでも、仕事に行った。 |
| だが (Daga) | Very Formal/Literary | Strong, formal contrast | 経済状況は改善された。だが、まだ多くの課題が残っている。 |
| ところが (Tokoroga) | Neutral | Surprise, unexpectedness | 鍵をかけたはずだった。ところが、ドアが開いていた。 |
| 反面 (Hanmen) | Neutral | On the other hand | 彼は仕事ができる。反面、時間にルーズだ。 |
By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the most appropriate expression for “however” in any given situation.
Practice Makes Perfect: Examples in Context
To solidify your understanding, let’s examine more examples of how these words are used in different contexts. Notice how the choice of word influences the overall tone and meaning of the sentence.
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“彼女は美しい。でも、性格は少しきつい。” (Kanojo wa utsukushii. Demo, seikaku wa sukoshi kitsui.) – “She is beautiful. But, her personality is a bit harsh.” (Informal, simple contrast)
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“このプロジェクトは成功する可能性が高い。しかし、リスクも存在する。” (Kono purojekuto wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai. Shikashi, risuku mo sonzai suru.) – “This project has a high chance of success. However, risks also exist.” (Formal, strong contrast)
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“日本語は難しいけれど、面白い。” (Nihongo wa muzukashii keredo, omoshiroi.) – “Japanese is difficult, but it’s interesting.” (Semi-formal, “although”)
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“彼は疲れていた。それでも、最後まで頑張った。” (Kare wa tsukareteita. Sore de mo, saigo made ganbatta.) – “He was tired. Even so, he persevered until the end.” (Emphasis on perseverance)
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“法律は改正された。だが、国民の生活はまだ改善されていない。” (Houritsu wa kaisei sareta. Daga, kokumin no seikatsu wa mada kaizen sareteinai.) – “The law was revised. However, the lives of the citizens have not yet improved.” (Formal, literary)
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“財布を置いたはずだった。ところが、見つからない。” (Saifu o oita hazu datta. Tokoroga, mitsukaranai.) – “I should have put my wallet down. However, I can’t find it.” (Surprise, unexpectedness)
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“彼は頭が良い。反面、運動は苦手だ。” (Kare wa atama ga ii. Hanmen, undou wa nigate da.) – “He is intelligent. On the other hand, he is not good at sports.” (Contrasting aspects)
By analyzing these examples, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the subtle differences between these words and how they are used to express various nuances.
Beyond the Basics: Other Related Expressions
While the expressions discussed above are the most common translations of “however” in Japanese, there are other related phrases that can be used to convey similar meanings in specific contexts. These include:
- “逆(に)” (gyaku ni): “Conversely,” “on the contrary”
- “それなのに” (sore na noni): “And yet,” “despite that”
- “にもかかわらず” (ni mo kakawarazu): “Notwithstanding,” “despite”
- “だけど” (dakedo): A more casual version of “keredo”
These expressions offer additional options for expressing contrast and can further refine your communication skills in Japanese. Learning them allows you to express contrast and concession with greater precision.
What are the most common Japanese equivalents of “however”?
The most frequently used Japanese equivalents for “however” are “しかし” (shikashi), “でも” (demo), and “だが” (daga). “しかし” (shikashi) is generally considered the most formal and versatile, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. It’s often used to introduce a direct contradiction or a significant shift in the topic.
“でも” (demo) is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation. It implies a softer contrast or a qualification to a previous statement. “だが” (daga) is slightly more formal than “でも” (demo) but less so than “しかし” (shikashi), and often conveys a stronger sense of contrast, typically used in more literary or formal speech.
When is it appropriate to use “けれども” (keredomo) instead of “しかし” (shikashi)?
“けれども” (keredomo) is a conjunction that shares a similar meaning to “しかし” (shikashi) in expressing contrast or concession. However, “けれども” (keredomo) often carries a slightly softer or less direct tone than “しかし” (shikashi). It’s frequently used when the speaker wants to soften the impact of the contrasting statement or when the contrast is not as strong.
“けれども” (keredomo) can also imply a sense of reservation or polite disagreement. It’s often preferred in situations where you want to express a contrasting viewpoint without sounding overly assertive or confrontational. Using “しかし” (shikashi) might come across as too direct in certain social situations.
How does the level of formality influence the choice between “でも” (demo) and “しかし” (shikashi)?
The level of formality plays a significant role when deciding between “でも” (demo) and “しかし” (shikashi). “でも” (demo) is considerably more casual and appropriate for informal conversations with friends, family, or close acquaintances. Using “しかし” (shikashi) in such contexts might sound overly formal or even a bit stiff.
Conversely, “しかし” (shikashi) is the more suitable choice in formal settings, such as business meetings, academic papers, or when speaking to superiors. It conveys a sense of professionalism and respect. Utilizing “でも” (demo) in these situations could be perceived as too casual and potentially disrespectful.
What is the difference between “ところが” (tokoroga) and “しかし” (shikashi)?
While both “ところが” (tokoroga) and “しかし” (shikashi) can translate to “however,” they differ in nuance. “ところが” (tokoroga) often introduces an unexpected or surprising turn of events, contrasting with what was previously anticipated. It emphasizes the unexpected outcome rather than a direct contradiction.
“しかし” (shikashi), on the other hand, typically introduces a direct contrast or contradiction to a previous statement. It focuses on the differing information rather than the surprise element. Think of “ところが” (tokoroga) as highlighting an unforeseen circumstance, while “しかし” (shikashi) emphasizes a different perspective or conflicting fact.
Can “ところが” (tokoroga) always be replaced with “しかし” (shikashi) without changing the meaning?
No, “ところが” (tokoroga) and “しかし” (shikashi) are not always interchangeable. As mentioned previously, “ところが” (tokoroga) emphasizes an unexpected or surprising development, which is a nuance that “しかし” (shikashi) doesn’t necessarily capture. Replacing “ところが” (tokoroga) with “しかし” (shikashi) can alter the meaning, making the sentence focus more on a general contrast than the element of surprise.
Consider a sentence where someone expected to win a race but didn’t. Using “ところが” (tokoroga) would highlight the unexpected loss, while using “しかし” (shikashi) would simply contrast the expectation of winning with the reality of losing, without emphasizing the surprise. The choice depends on what the speaker wants to emphasize.
How do you use “それなのに” (sorenanoni) to express “however” in Japanese?
“それなのに” (sorenanoni) translates more precisely to “despite that” or “even though,” but it can function similarly to “however” in certain contexts. It’s used to express a result that is contrary to what would be expected given the preceding information. It implies a sense of frustration or disappointment due to the unexpected outcome.
Unlike “しかし” (shikashi), which simply introduces a contrasting statement, “それなのに” (sorenanoni) emphasizes the illogical or undesirable nature of the result in relation to the previous situation. The feeling is one of “given this, you would expect X, but instead, Y happened.” It carries a stronger emotional weight than a simple “however.”
Are there any regional differences in the usage of these “however” equivalents?
While the core meanings of these conjunctions remain consistent across Japan, there might be subtle regional preferences in their frequency of use. For instance, certain dialects might favor “けど” (kedo), a shortened version of “けれども” (keredomo), in casual conversation more than standard Japanese speakers.
However, the choice of “しかし” (shikashi), “でも” (demo), “だが” (daga), “けれども” (keredomo), “ところが” (tokoroga), and “それなのに” (sorenanoni) is generally dictated by the level of formality and the specific nuance the speaker intends to convey, rather than strict regional variations. While subtle dialectal preferences may exist, the fundamental usage principles remain largely uniform across the country.