How to Use でも (demo) – “But” in Japanese

Want to say “but” in Japanese? The simple answer is でも (demo).

It’s a go-to word for contrasting two ideas — kind of like saying “but,” “however,” or “still” in English.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Whatでもmeans and when to use it
• Real-life examples you can copy
• Howでもcompares to other words likeが(ga) andけど(kedo)
• Common patterns and beginner mistakes

Let’s break it down 👇

What DoesでもMean?

でも means “but,” “however,” or “still” — and is used to introduce a contrast or something unexpected.

It usually comes at the beginning of the second sentence.

Example 1: Basic contrast

にく は すきです。でも、さかなはあまりたべません。 Niku wa suki desu. Demo, sakana wa amari tabemasen. I like meat. But, I don’t really eat fish.

Example 2: Something unexpected

かれ は 猫 好き です。でも、猫アレルギーです。 Kare wa neko zuki desu. Demo, neko arerugii desu. He's a cat lover. But, he's allergic to cats.

Example 3: Changing your mind

ラーメン を たべようかな。でも、ピザもいいな。 Raamen wo tabeyou kana. Demo, piza mo ii na. Maybe I’ll get ramen… But, pizza sounds good too.

How to Useでも

• Use でもat the start of the second sentence.
• It’s casual to neutral — works well in most situations.
• Use a period or pause between your first and second sentence.

✅ Correct:

あつい です。でも、がいしゅつします。 It’s hot. But, I’ll go out anyway.

❌ Incorrect:

あついですでも、がいしゅつします。← Don’t useでもmid-sentence like a particle.

でもvsがvsけど– What’s the Difference?

All three mean “but,” but they're a bit different. (So many buts!)

1. でも

• Neutral tone
• Separate sentence

びょうき です。でも、がっこう に いきます。 I’m sick. But I’m going to school.

でも、びょういん に いった ほう が いいですよ… But you should go to a doctor...

2. が

• More formal
• Used mid-sentence

びょうき ですが、がっこうにいきます。 I’m sick, but I’m going to school.

3. けど / けれど

• Casual or softening tone
• Used mid-sentence

びょうきだけど、がっこうにいく。 I’m sick, but I’ll go.

Pro Tip: Start with でも as your default “but.”

Once you’re comfortable, play around withがandけどfor variety.

Try it Yourself

Fill in the blank withでも:

ねこはかわいい。_____、いぬもすき。 →でも

おかしがすき。_____、ダイエットちゅう。 →でも

にほんごはむずかしい。_____、おもしろい。 →でも

(Too easy? We agree...)

Key Takeaways

• でも = “but” or “however”
• Used at the start of the second sentence
• Great for beginners — neutral and versatile
• Compare with が (formal) and けど (casual) to grow your range

Hope this guide has helped get your "but"s in order!