だが
But, Still, However, Nevertheless
Structure
Explanation
Although だが (and its polite form ですが) are often treated as individual words, they are formed by combining だ or です with the particle が. だが typically serves as a formal connector meaning 'but' or 'however'. In this structure, だ functions to confirm the preceding statement, while が introduces a contrasting or subsequent piece of important information.
Because of this function, だが is conceptually close to the English expression 'It is true that..., but...'. だが can appear either between two clauses or at the very start of a new sentence.
- あのレストランは有名だが、料理は美味しくない、変だ。That restaurant is famous, but the food isn't delicious… That's strange.
- デパートへ行った。だが、閉まっていた。I went to the department store. However, it was closed.
Caution
If you use ですが, it implies that the remainder of the sentence must also be in polite speech (ます/です form).
- 友達に電話したのですが、出ませんでした。I tried calling my friend, but they didn't pick up.
To give だが a slightly gentler nuance, the particle ね is sometimes attached. This usage, however, is not very widespread in contemporary Japanese and is more characteristic of older speakers.
- 君の意見は分かった。だがね、僕は賛成できない。I understand your opinion. However, I can't agree.
Fun Fact
Since だが and ですが are built with が (which is more formal than けど), they can sound somewhat rigid or literary. Because of this, でも is much more commonly used to start a sentence in everyday, casual conversation.
Examples
一生懸命勉強しました。ですが、試験に合格できませんでした。
I studied very hard. However, I couldn't pass the exam.
このレストランは人気です。ですが、値段が高すぎます。
This restaurant is popular. However, it's too expensive.
この服はデザインが良い。だが、少し小さい。
The design of these clothes is nice. However, they are a little too small.
彼は必ず来ると言った。だが、結局現れなかった。
He said he would definitely come. However, in the end, he never showed up.
今日は映画を見に行きます。ですが、何を見るかまだ決めていません。
I'm going to see a movie today. However, I still haven't decided what to watch.
このケーキはとてもおいしいです。ですが、すごく甘いです。
This cake is very delicious. However, it's extremely sweet.
彼は金持ちだ。だが、全く幸せではない。
He's a rich man. However, he isn't happy at all.
薬を飲みました。ですが、まだ頭が痛いです。
I took the medicine. However, my head still hurts.
読書は知識を増やす。だが、実践しなければ意味がない。
Reading increases one's knowledge. However, it's meaningless if not put into practice.
このホテルはとてもきれいです。ですが、駅から遠いです。
This hotel is very nice and clean. However, it is far from the station.
彼の意見は正しいかもしれない。だが、私は賛成できない。
His opinion might be correct. However, I can't agree with it.
空は晴れています。ですが、風がとても強いです。
The sky is clear. However, the wind is very strong.