けれども
But, Although
Structure
［い］Adjective + けれども
［な］Adjective + だ + けれども
Noun + だ + けれども
Explanation
けれども is the complete and more polite form of the conjunction けど. While it generally translates to 'but' just like けど, its formal nature gives it a nuance closer to 'although' or 'however'. It functions to connect two contrasting ideas, (A) and (B), while emphasizing the importance or consideration of the second idea (B).
- 雨が降ったけれども、虹が出ました。It rained, but a rainbow appeared.
- この料理は辛いけれども、美味しいです。This dish is spicy, but it's delicious.
- 彼は親切だけれども、少し変わっています。He is kind, although he's a little strange.
- 今日は日曜日だけれども、仕事があります。Today is Sunday, but I have work.
As shown in the examples above, you must add だ before this conjunction when it follows a な-Adjective or a noun.
For reference, here is a list of the various forms of 'but', ordered from most casual to most formal.
Casual - けど - けども - けれど - けれども - が - Formal.
- この映画は長いけども、感動的だ。This movie is long, but it's moving.
- 勉強したけれど、試験に落ちた。I studied, but I failed the test.
- 毎日運動するけれども、痩せません。I exercise every day, but I'm not losing weight.
- この町は便利だが、家賃が高い。This town is convenient, but the rent is high.
Fun Fact
In the past, けれども was considered to have a more feminine sound compared to が. However, with the widespread use of its shortened form けど in modern Japanese, this feminine connotation has largely disappeared.
Caution
Similar to けど and its variations, the clause following けれども is frequently left unsaid when the meaning is clear from the context, or when the speaker wishes to be indirect.
- その本は読みたいけれども。I'd like to read that book, but… (I don't have the time.)
Examples
勉強したけれども、よく分からなかった。
I studied, but I didn't understand it well.
このラーメンはおいしいけれども、少し辛い。
This ramen is delicious, but it's a little spicy.
この部屋は静かだけれども、少し暗いですね。
This room is quiet, but it's a bit dark, isn't it?
急いだけれども、バスに間に合わなかった。
I hurried, but I missed the bus.
今日は日曜日だけれども、仕事をしなければなりません。
It's Sunday today, but I have to work.
彼は親切だけれども、時々怖い。
He is kind, but he's scary sometimes.
たくさん食べたけれども、まだお腹が空いています。
I ate a lot, but I'm still hungry.
このシャツは安いけれども、デザインがあまり好きじゃない。
This shirt is cheap, but I don't really like the design.
何回も電話したけれども、誰も出なかった。
I called many times, but no one answered.
料理は好きだけれども、片付けは嫌いです。
I like cooking, but I hate cleaning up.