但(ただ)し

ただし
conjunction
but; however; provided that
formalgrammatical
1. but; however
Used to introduce a contrasting or limiting statement.
明日(あした)届(とど)けます。但(ただ)し、天候(てんこう)によっては遅(おく)れることがある。
We will deliver tomorrow. However, there may be delays depending on the weather.
賛成(さんせい)です。但(ただ)し、条件(じょうけん)があります。
I agree. However, I have conditions.
来週(らいしゅう)発送(はっそう)します。但(ただ)し、在庫(ざいこ)がある場合(ばあい)に限(かぎ)る。
We'll ship next week. However, only if it's in stock.
使用(しよう)は自由(じゆう)です。但(ただ)し、商用(しょうよう)利用(りよう)は禁止(きんし)です。
Use is free. However, commercial use is prohibited.
2. provided that; on condition that
Used to specify a condition or exception.
参加(さんか)は自由(じゆう)です。但(ただ)し、事前(じぜん)に申(もう)し込(こ)みが必要(ひつよう)です。
Participation is free. However, advance registration is required.
入場(にゅうじょう)無料(むりょう)。但(ただ)し、小学生以下(しょうがくせいいか)に限(かぎ)る。
Free admission. However, limited to elementary school students and younger.
但(ただ)し、会員(かいいん)限定(げんてい)とする。
Provided that it's limited to members.
返品(へんぴん)可能(かのう)。但(ただ)し、未開封(みかいふう)の場合(ばあい)のみ。
Returns possible. On condition that items are unopened.
割引(わりびき)適用(てきよう)。但(ただ)し、一人(ひとり)一点(てん)限(かぎ)り。
Discount applies. Provided that it's one per person.
参加費(さんかひ)無料(むりょう)。但(ただ)し、材料費(ざいりょうひ)は実費(じっぴ)。
Participation fee is free. On condition that materials cost is at actual cost.

但(ただ)し is a conjunction used to introduce exceptions, conditions, or contrasting information.

Usage

但(ただ)し typically appears at the beginning of a new sentence to add a condition or exception to the previous statement. It's common in written notices, rules, and formal announcements.

Common patterns

Similar words

  • 但(ただ)し vs. しかし: しかし is a general "however" for contrast; 但(ただ)し specifically introduces conditions or exceptions.
  • 但(ただ)し vs. ただ: ただ (just, only, but) is more casual; 但(ただ)し is more formal.
  • 但(ただ)し vs. もっとも: もっとも (although, but then) introduces a secondary consideration; 但(ただ)し states a clear condition.

Register: Formal. Very common in written documents, rules, contracts, and official notices. Less common in casual conversation.

Related Words

Related: しかし (however)
Related: ただ (just, only, but)
Compare: とはいえ (although, having said that, that being said)
Compare: だけれども (although)
Compare: もっとも (however)
Compare: だけども (but)
core
Added 2026.1.13 15:25 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
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