How to Say ‘Yes, but...’ in Japanese
はい、でも。
hai de mo
[hai deh moh]
Phrase Breakdown
はい
hai
[hai]
yes
Used to acknowledge what the other person said before disagreeing or adding a point.
はい、でも、家族が待っています。
Yes, but my family is waiting.
でも
de mo
but; however
Introduces a contrast or objection.
行きたいです。でも、時間がありません。
I want to go. But I don’t have time.
Words in this phrase
で
de
[deh]
but
Introduces a polite disagreement or correction.
はい、でも、ここでは困ります。
Yes, but this is a problem here.
も
mo
[moh]
also; even
With で, it forms でも, meaning but.
はい、でも、もう少し先です。
Yes, but it is a little farther ahead.
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