How to Say ‘But’ in Japanese
のですが
のですが
💬 Usage Tip: This is a softening phrase. Use it to be polite when making a request.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese people often use soft language to maintain harmony and avoid direct refusals or demands.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
のの
[no]
of
Indicates possession or relation.
私のペンです。
It is my pen.
ですです
[desu]
is
Copula verb in polite form.
これはペンです。
This is a pen.
がが
[ga]
but
Conjunction used to contrast or add information.
雨が降っているが行きます。
It's raining, but I'll go.
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