だが

だが
conjunction
but; however
1. but; however
A formal conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement.
努力(どりょく)した。だが、成功(せいこう)しなかった。
I made an effort. However, I didn't succeed.
彼(かれ)は若(わか)い。だが、経験(けいけん)豊富(ほうふ)だ。
He is young. But he has a lot of experience.
計画(けいかく)は完璧(かんぺき)だった。だが、予想外(よそうがい)の問題(もんだい)が起(お)きた。
The plan was perfect. However, an unexpected problem arose.
時間(じかん)はある。だが、やる気(やるき)がない。
I have time. But I have no motivation.
結果(けっか)は良(よ)かった。だが、過程(かてい)に問題(もんだい)があった。
The result was good. However, there were problems in the process.

だが is a relatively formal conjunction meaning "but" or "however."

REGISTER:

  • だが: formal, often used in writing and formal speech
  • でも: casual, used in conversation
  • しかし: formal, versatile
  • けれども/けれど/けど: varying formality (けど is casual)

USAGE:

  • Placed at the beginning of a sentence
  • Introduces information that contrasts with or qualifies the previous statement
  • Common in written Japanese, news, and formal speeches

COMPARISON:

  • だが: direct contrast, somewhat literary
  • しかし: general contrast, neutral
  • ところが: unexpected contrast
  • それでも: "even so" (concessive)

Related Words

Synonym: しかし (however)
Synonym: でも (but (casual))
basic
Added 2026.1.13 12:14 · Revised 2026.2.2 19:30
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