Opposition: but, however

が

Between two sentences, it has the meaning of “but”.

Example

この建物たてものは大きいですが、トイレは一ひとつだけあります。 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

戦せん争そうは悪わるいこと。しかし、人じん類るいはいつも戦たたかっています 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

外そとは暑あついけど行きたい。 It’s hot outside but I’d still like to go.

It can also be used to soften your assertion.

Example

明日あしたに行きたいけど。 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

手伝てつだいたいんですけど暇ひまはない。 I’d like to help but I don’t have time.