Japanese grammar
What does しかし (formal contrast) mean? Japanese grammar N4
しかし (formal contrast) means however, nevertheless.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A. しかし、sentence B. |
| Romaji | shikashi |
| Meaning | however, nevertheless |
How to use it
Connecting two contrasting sentences in writing, announcements, or fairly formal speech.
- しかし stands at the beginning of the following sentence and states a clear contrast. Compared to でも, it is more formal, more objective, and appears more often in reading passages or presentations.
- Do not place しかし directly after a clause like a connecting particle. To connect within the same sentence, use が／けれども／のに depending on the nuance.
Examples
何度も練習しました。しかし、試合には勝てませんでした。
I practiced many times. However, I could not win the match.
この方法は簡単です。しかし、時間がかかります。
This method is simple. However, it takes time.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong安いしかし、買いません。
Correct安いですが、買いません。
しかし is a conjunction that begins an independent sentence; it cannot be attached directly after an adjective to connect two clauses.
Exam tips
- In reading passages, しかし often signals that the main point or a reversed conclusion follows right after it.