Opposition: but, however
が
Between two sentences, it has the meaning of “but”.
Example
この建物は大きいですが、トイレは一つだけあります。 This building is huge but has only one toilet.
でも
This is the basic way to say “but”.
Example
コンビニに行きました。でも、何も買わなかった。 I went to the convenience store. But I didn’t buy anything.
⚠ Do not confuse with Even if ても・でも.
しかし
This is similar to でも, meaning “however”, but usually more formal and most commonly found in written form.
Example
戦争は悪いこと。しかし、人類はいつも戦っています War is bad. However, humanity is always fighting.
けど・けれども
Means “but”. Contrary to でも (which is more stand-alone), this links two clauses. The second clause can also be implicit and not said. けれども is more formal than けど.
Example
外は暑いけど行きたい。 It’s hot outside but I’d still like to go.
It can also be used to soften your assertion.
Example
明日に行きたいけど。 I’d like to go tomorrow… (but I don’t want to cause any inconvenience).
「ん・の」「だけど・ですけど」
Means “but”, “however”. の is more formal than ん, and ですけど is more formal than だけど.
Example
手伝いたいんですけど暇はない。 I’d like to help but I don’t have time.
Summing up
🛠 Todo.