By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
けれども is a polite or formal expression that means “but” or “although”. It shows contrast between two ideas or introduces a new topic softly.
This is a more formal alternative to けど.
🔍 Structure
- Verb / i-adjective / na-adjective / noun + けれども
Can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to contrast two ideas politely.
📝 Example Sentences
- たかいけれども、このシャツがほしいです。
Takai keredomo, kono shatsu ga hoshii desu.
Although it’s expensive, I want this shirt. - にほんごはむずかしいけれども、おもしろいです。
Nihongo wa muzukashii keredomo, omoshiroi desu.
Although Japanese is difficult, it’s interesting. - さむいけれども、さんぽに行きます。
Samui keredomo, sanpo ni ikimasu.
Although it’s cold, I’ll go for a walk. - しけんはたいへんけれども、がんばります。
Shiken wa taihen keredomo, ganbarimasu.
The exam is tough, but I’ll do my best.
📚 Grammar Notes
- けれども is more polite/formal than けど or けれど.
- Often used in written or formal speech situations.
- Still acceptable in casual speech for soft transitions.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
- ねむい________、しゅくだいをします。
- このレストランは高い________、人気があります。
✔ Answers:
- ねむいけれども、しゅくだいをします。
- このレストランは高いけれども、人気があります。
2. Translate into Japanese:
- Although I am busy, I will go to the party.
- This cake is delicious but expensive.
✔ Sample Answers:
- いそがしいけれども、パーティーに行きます。
- このケーキはおいしいけれども、高いです。
🈶 Vocabulary & Kanji Breakdown
| Word | Kanji | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 高い | 高 | たかい | Expensive / High |
| 欲しい | 欲 | ほしい | Want |
| 日本語 | 日本語 | にほんご | Japanese language |
| 寒い | 寒 | さむい | Cold (weather) |
| 散歩 | 散歩 | さんぽ | Walk / Stroll |
| 試験 | 試験 | しけん | Exam / Test |
| 頑張る | 頑張 | がんばる | To do one’s best |
🔗 Related Grammar
- けど – But (casual)
- のに – Although / Even though
- が – But (formal contrast)
🧠 Summary
- けれども means “but” or “although” and is polite/formal.
- It connects contrasting ideas gently.
- Useful in writing, business, and polite conversation.
- 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.
