The ‘But’ Particles が and けど
When you want to connect two clauses where the second part contrasts with, or is an unexpected result of, the first, you’ll need the Japanese equivalents of “but,” “although,” or “however.” The two most common particles for this job are が and けど .
While they share a core meaning, their usage is dictated by formality, context, and nuance. Understanding the difference is a key step in making your Japanese sound more natural and socially aware. This guide breaks down the ‘but’ particles が and けど, compares them directly, and explores some of the subtle cultural insights they reveal.
The Particle が
The particle が is often the first “but” that learners encounter. It’s a versatile connector that serves two main purposes.
Expressing Direct Contrast
This is its primary function. It connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause is contrary to or unexpected given the first. In this role, が is generally considered more formal and is favored in written Japanese or polite, formal speech. It can sound a bit stiff in casual conversation.
このレストランは有名ですが、あまり美味しくないです。
このレストランはゆうめいですが、あまりおいしくないです。
Kono resutoran wa yūmei desu ga, amari oishikunai desu.
This restaurant is famous, but it’s not very tasty.
有名 (ゆうめい) = Famous
が = but
あまり = (not) very
美味しくない (おいしくない) = not delicious
As a Soft Introductory Cushion
Perhaps a more common use of が in speech is not for strong contrast, but as a soft way to connect two topics or to introduce a new subject, question, or request. It acts as a polite preface. In English, we might say “Excuse me, but…” or “I know this is sudden, but…”.
すみませんが、駅はどこですか。
すみませんが、えきはどこですか。
Sumimasen ga, eki wa doko desu ka.
Excuse me, but where is the station?
すみません = Excuse me
が = but (softener)
駅 (えき) = Station
The Particle けど and its Variations
けど is the workhorse of contrast in everyday spoken Japanese. When it comes to saying ‘but’in Japanese, it’s less formal than が and much more common in conversation. It has a few variations that adjust the level of politeness.
Formality Scale:
• けど: Casual and most common. Used with friends, family, and in informal situations.
• けれど: A bit more formal and polite. A safe choice for general conversation.
• けれども: The most formal version. Often used in speeches, formal writing, and very polite situations. It’s very similar in politeness to が.
このパソコンは安いけど、ちょっと古いね。
このパソコンはやすいけど、ちょっとふるいね。
Kono pasokon wa yasui kedo, chotto furui ne.
This computer is cheap, but it’s a little old, isn’t it? (Casual)
安い (やすい) = Cheap
けど = but (casual)
古い (ふるい) = Old
一生懸命勉強したけれど、試験に落ちました。
いっしょうけんめいべんきょうしたけれど、しけんにおちました。
Isshōkenmei benkyō shita keredo, shiken ni ochimashita.
I studied very hard, but I failed the exam. (Neutral/Polite)
一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい) = With all one’s might
けれど = but (polite)
試験 (しけん) = Exam
Extra Insights
The “Hanging けど” (Sentence-Ender)
A quintessential feature of Japanese conversation is ending a sentence with けど or が, leaving the thought unfinished. This is not grammatically incorrect; it’s a powerful communication tool. It softens the statement, implies hesitation, or introduces a request or opinion indirectly.
• Function: It allows the speaker to avoid being too direct or forceful, giving the listener space to respond. It’s a way of saying, “Here’s the situation… what do you think?” or “I’d like to ask for something, if that’s okay…”
明日、映画に行きたいんだけど…
あした、えいがにいきたいんだけど…
Ashita, eiga ni ikitai n da kedo…
I’d like to go to the movies tomorrow, but… (Implies: “Are you free?” or “Do you want to come?”)
行きたい (いきたい) = want to go
んだけど = but… (softener)
This indirectness is rooted in the Japanese cultural value of maintaining harmony (和, wa). By trailing off, you create a softer, less demanding atmosphere.
Don’t Confuse with the Subject Marker が
Beginners often get confused. Remember that the conjunctive particle が comes after a full clause (usually at the end of a verb or adjective in its dictionary or -masu form) to connect to another clause. The subject-marking particle が comes after a noun to mark it as the subject of the verb.
• Conjunctive: 私は行きますが、彼は行きません。(I will go, but he will not.)
• Subject Marker: 私が行きます。( I will go.)
3. Choosing the Right Particle
• For formal emails, reports, or speeches: が or けれども are your best choices.
• For everyday conversation with colleagues, shopkeepers, or people you don’t know well: けれど is a safe and polite option.
• For talking with friends and family: けど is the most natural and common choice.
By mastering the subtle differences between が and けど, you move beyond simply translating “but” and begin to communicate with the nuance and social awareness of a native speaker.
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