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))

Synonym: だけど (but (casual))

Related: けど (but (clause-final))

basic

Added 2026.1.13 12:14 · Revised 2026.5.9 9:37

00000/00031_daga