～が

When to use

The plain particle "but"; natural in both speech and writing, softer/more neutral-sounding than けど.

Explanation

The ～が grammar point is a particle that is used to indicate the subject of a sentence or to express a contrast similar to 'but' in English. It has various functions depending on the context.

• 私わたしが学生がくせいです。

  I am a student.

  Watashi ga gakusei desu.

• このりんごが美味おいしい。

  This apple is delicious.

  Kono ringo ga oishii.

• 彼かれは頭あたまがいいが、性格せいかくが悪わるい。

  He is smart but has a bad personality.

  Kare wa atama ga ii ga, seikaku ga warui.

• 走はしりたいが、足あしが痛いたい。

  I want to run, but my leg hurts.

  Hashiritai ga, ashi ga itai.

Contradiction (But / However)

• A。でも、～B。A. Demo, ~BN5Used to express contrast between two statements; 'A, but…
• ～けど、～〜kedo、～N5Used to connect two clauses; 'but', 'however', 'although'
• だけどdakedoN3Expresses a contrast or contradiction; 'but', 'however'…
• ～けれど、～〜keredo、～N5Expresses a contrast or contradiction; 'but', 'however'…
• A。だが B。~dagaN2Expresses contrasting ideas or statements; 'but', 'however'.
• A。それでも B。~sore demoN2Expresses 'even so', 'nevertheless', 'still', or 'but'…
• A。ただB。~tadaN2Express contrast between two situations; 'although'…
• A。もっとも B。Motto mo ~N2Express contrasting opinions or facts; 'although', 'but'…
• A。しかし、～B。A. Shikashi, ~B.N5Expresses contrast or contradiction between two clauses…
• A。ただしB。A. Tadashi BN2Adding a condition or exception to a statement; 'however'…
• ～ものの、～〜mono no、～N2Indicates contrast or contradiction between two clauses…
• A。けれども、～B。A. Keredomo,~ B.N5Used to express a contrast between two statements. It can…

Compare when to use each