How to Say ‘But…’ in Japanese
でも…
de mo
[deh moh]
💬 Usage Tip: [でも…] is “but…” with a trailing pause. It’s perfect for gently adding bad news.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese often uses “softening pauses” ([…]) before stating a problem directly—sounds less confrontational.
Phrase Breakdown
で
de
[deh]
but; however
Conjunction. Used to add a contrast: “Water comes out, but…” Often followed by a problem description.
水は出ます。でも、お湯が出ません。
Water comes out. But hot water doesn’t.
も
mo
[moh]
also; even; but (as part of でも)
Particle. Here it combines with で to make でも = “but/however.”
水は出ます。でも、冷たいです。
Water comes out. But it’s cold.
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