けど
But, However
Structure
［い］Adjective + けど
［な］Adjective + だ + けど
Noun + だ + けど
Explanation
けど is a frequent connective particle in Japanese. These particles join two parts of a sentence, clause (A) and clause (B). Much like its counterpart が, けど introduces clause (B) with the information from clause (A) in mind. Due to this function, けど is often best translated into English as 'but' or 'although'.
- 本は読むけど、テレビは見ない。I read books, but I don't watch TV.
- このレストランは高いけど、おいしい。This restaurant is expensive, but it's delicious.
- 犬は好きだけど、猫は苦手だ。I like dogs, but I'm not good with cats.
- 彼は学生だけど、よく働く。He's a student, but he works a lot.
As you can see from the sentences above, and in common with other grammar patterns, だ is required when connecting けど to a な-Adjective or a noun.
けど is simply the contemporary, conversational form of けれども. Please refer to the list below, which shows its variations from most casual to most formal.
Casual - けど - けども - けれど - けれども - が - Formal.
- コーヒーは飲むけども、紅茶はあまり飲まない。I drink coffee, but I don't drink tea very often.
- 日本語の勉強は難しいけれど、楽しいです。Studying Japanese is difficult, but it's fun.
- このケーキを食べてみたいけれども、ダイエット中です。I'd like to try this cake, but I'm on a diet.
- 今日は晴れですが、風が強いです。It's sunny today, but the wind is strong.
Caution
The clause following けど is frequently omitted when it is implied by the context, or if the speaker wishes to be indirect.
- 駅まで行きたいけど。（道を教えてくれませんか？）I'd like to get to the station... (but could you tell me the way?)
Examples
静かだけど、遠い。
It's quiet, but far.
サッカーが得意だけど、野球をする。
I'm good at soccer, but I'm going to play baseball.
時間があるけど、行きません。
I have time, but I'm not going.
魚は苦手だけど、お寿司は食べます。
I'm not a fan of fish, but I eat sushi.
この本は難しいけど、面白いでしょう。
This book is difficult, but it's interesting, isn't it.
冬だけど、寒くないです。
It's winter, but it's not cold.
旅行するのが好きだけど、時間がない。
I like to travel, but I don't have the time.
暗いけど、広い。
It is dark, but spacious.
ペンがないけど、鉛筆がある。
I don't have a pen, but I have a pencil.
子供だけど、強い。
He is a child, but he is strong.
仕事だけど、面白かった。
It was work, but it was interesting.
いつもはバスに乗るけど、今日は乗らない。
I usually take the bus, but today I will not.