Japanese grammar
What does ～けれども／～けど mean? Japanese grammar N4
～けれども／～けど means but, although; by the way….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + けれども／けど Aな／N + だけれども／だけど |
| Romaji | ~ keredomo / ~ kedo |
| Meaning | but, although; by the way… |
How to use it
Connecting two contrasting ideas, or softening an opening remark before asking, requesting, or declining.
- けれども is the full form; けれど and けど are progressively shorter and more casual. Besides the contrastive meaning, this pattern is also placed at the end of an opening clause so the listener understands that a request or question will follow.
- With na-adjectives and nouns in the present affirmative, use だけれども／だけど. In polite speech, ですけれども can be used.
Examples
このかばんは高いけれども、とても丈夫です。
This bag is expensive, but it is very durable.
すみません、駅へ行きたいんですけど…。
Excuse me, I would like to get to the station...
Keep in mind
- Ending a sentence with ～けど… is a way of leaving it open — there's no need to state the rest if both sides already understand.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの町は便利けど、少しうるさいです。
Correctこの町は便利だけど、少しうるさいです。
A na-adjective needs だ before けど in the plain form: 便利だけど.
Exam tips
- In conversation, a sentence trailing off at けど is often a soft opening remark; use the next turn of speech to understand the omitted request.