Grammar Comparison JLPT N5 JLPT N5 JLPT N4

でも,けど / けれど / けれども, andが

でも vs けど vs が: Japanese 'But' Expressions Complete Guide

Master the differences between でも, けど, and が for expressing 'but' and contrast in Japanese. Learn formality levels, usage patterns, and sentence positions.

Read time: 7 min readSearches: 2,300+ monthlyUpdated: February 14, 2026

Understanding the difference between でも (demo),けど / けれど / けれども (kedo / keredo / keredomo), and が (ga) is one of the most important distinctions in Japanese grammar. This comprehensive guide will help you master when and how to use each one correctly.

Grammar Point A

でも (demo)

But / However (sentence-initial)

Used at the BEGINNING of a new sentence to contrast with the previous sentence. Casual.

Formation: Sentence 1. でも、Sentence 2.

Grammar Point B

けど / けれど / けれども (kedo / keredo / keredomo)

But / Although (clause connector)

Connects two clauses within the same sentence. Varying formality: けど (casual) → けれど → けれども (formal).

Formation: Clause 1 + けど、Clause 2

Grammar Point C

が (ga)

But / However / And (formal connector)

Formal clause connector. Also used for soft introduction before requests. Written/formal language.

Formation: Clause 1 + が、Clause 2

Quick Comparison Table

Aspect	でも	けど / けれど / けれども	が
Meaning	But / However (sentence-initial)	But / Although (clause connector)	But / However / And (formal connector)
Usage	Used at the BEGINNING of a new sentence to contrast with the previous sentence. Casual.	Connects two clauses within the same sentence. Varying formality: けど (casual) → けれど → けれども (formal).	Formal clause connector. Also used for soft introduction before requests. Written/formal language.
Formation	Sentence 1. でも、Sentence 2.	Clause 1 + けど、Clause 2	Clause 1 + が、Clause 2
JLPT Level	N5	N5	N4

Key Differences

Position in sentence: でも = START of new sentence. けど/が = CONNECT two clauses within one sentence.

Formality: でも = casual. けど = casual. けれど = neutral. けれども = formal. が = formal/written.

Usage nuance: でも creates clear contrast. けど can be contrast OR soft introduction. が is formal and sometimes just connects (weak contrast).

Completeness: でも starts complete sentences. けど/が can leave the second clause implied (trailing off).

Interchangeability: Often interchangeable for contrast, but position and formality differ. が is also used before requests (non-contrastive).

When to Use Which?

Follow this decision guide to choose the right grammar point.

Yes

Use でも

Use けど / けれど / けれども

Yes

Use けど / けれど / けれども

Use でも

Examples with Explanations

でも

日本語は難しいです。でも、面白いです。

Nihongo wa muzukashii desu. Demo, omoshiroi desu.

けど

日本語は難しいけど、面白いです。

Nihongo wa muzukashii kedo, omoshiroi desu.

が

日本語は難しいですが、面白いです。

Nihongo wa muzukashii desu ga, omoshiroi desu.

けど

明日は暇ですけど...

Ashita wa hima desu kedo...

が

すみませんが、ちょっとよろしいですか？

Sumimasen ga, chotto yoroshii desu ka?

でも

高いです。でも、買います。

Takai desu. Demo, kaimasu.

けど

食べたいけど、お金がない。

Tabetai kedo, okane ga nai.

が

この件についてお聞きしたいのですが。

Kono ken ni tsuite okiki shitai no desu ga.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1Using でも to connect clauses: 「高いでも買います」

Correction: 高いけど買います / 高いですが買います

でも starts NEW sentences, not connects clauses. Use けど or が for clause connection.

Mistake #2Using が casually: 「行きたいが、時間がない」(in casual speech)

Correction: 行きたいけど、時間がない

が sounds formal/stiff in casual conversation. Use けど for everyday speech.

Mistake #3Missing the soft introduction function: Thinking けど always means strong 'but'

Correction: すみませんけど... ≈ Excuse me... (soft intro, not contrast)

けど and が often just soften what follows, without real contrast meaning.

Mistake #4Confusing が (contrast) with が (subject marker)

Correction: 猫が好きです (subject) ≠ 好きですが... (but/contrast)

Same word, different functions. Context and position make it clear.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Click on your answer to see if you are correct.

0 / 6 answered

雨が降っています。___、サッカーをします。

It's raining. But, we'll play soccer.

日本に行きたい___、お金がありません。(casual)

I want to go to Japan, but I don't have money. (casual)

申し訳ございません___、もう一度説明していただけますか？(formal)

I'm very sorry, but could you explain once more? (formal)

映画、見に行きたいん___...（誘いたいニュアンス）

I want to go see a movie, but... (implying an invitation)

彼は賢いです___、性格が悪いです。(neutral-formal)

He is smart, but his personality is bad. (neutral-formal)

すみません___、ちょっとよろしいですか？

Excuse me, but do you have a moment?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I always use けど instead of が?

Why do Japanese people trail off with けど?

Is there a difference between けど, けれど, and けれども?

When should I use しかし instead of these?

Is が for contrast the same particle as が for subjects?

Summary

Use でも when...

Used at the BEGINNING of a new sentence to contrast with the previous sentence. Casual.

Use けど / けれど / けれども when...

Connects two clauses within the same sentence. Varying formality: けど (casual) → けれど → けれども (formal).

Pro Tip: The best way to master the difference is through reading and listening practice. Pay attention to how native speakers use these grammar points in context.