By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
The particle けど is a casual way to say “but” or “although”. It is used to connect two contrasting ideas or introduce a topic softly.
In more formal speech, you may hear けれど or けれども.
🔍 Structure
- Verb / i-adjective / na-adjective / noun + けど
It can be placed at the end of a clause or sentence.
📝 Example Sentences
- 日本語はむずかしいけど、おもしろいです。
Nihongo wa muzukashii kedo, omoshiroi desu.
Japanese is difficult, but interesting. - 今日は雨だけど、出かけます。
Kyou wa ame da kedo, dekakemasu.
It’s raining today, but I’m going out. - この本はおもしろいけど、長いです。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi kedo, nagai desu.
This book is interesting, but long. - すみませんけど、これを手伝ってくれますか？
Sumimasen kedo, kore o tetsudatte kuremasu ka?
Excuse me, but can you help me with this?
📚 Grammar Notes
- けど can be placed between two clauses to show contrast or at the end of a sentence to imply something more is coming.
- More polite forms: けれど / けれども.
- Used in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in casual speech.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
- ねこが好き______、いぬはちょっとこわいです。
- これは安い______、あまり好きじゃない。
✔ Answers:
- ねこが好きけど、いぬはちょっとこわいです。
- これは安いけど、あまり好きじゃない。
2. Translate into Japanese:
- I’m tired but I will study.
- This movie is good, but I’ve seen it before.
✔ Sample Answers:
- つかれたけど、べんきょうします。
- このえいがはいいけど、まえに見ました。
🈶 Vocabulary & Kanji Breakdown
| Word | Kanji | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 日本語 | 日本語 | にほんご | Japanese (language) |
| 難しい | 難 | むずかしい | Difficult |
| 面白い | 面白 | おもしろい | Interesting |
| 雨 | 雨 | あめ | Rain |
| 出かける | 出 | でかける | To go out |
| 助ける | 助 | たすける | To help |
🔗 Related Grammar
- でも – But (more independent or stronger contrast)
- ながら – While doing something
- のに – Despite / although (more advanced)
🧠 Summary
- けど is a conjunction meaning “but” or “although.”
- Used for contrast or soft transitions between clauses.
- Casual; polite alternatives include けれど / けれども.
- Level: JLPT N5
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I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
