けれども

けれども
conjunction
but, however, although
formalgrammatical
1. but, however, although
Formal conjunction meaning 'but' or 'however'. More polite than けど.
高(たか)いけれども、買(か)う。
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
雨(あめ)が降(ふ)っているけれども、出(で)かける。
It's raining, but I'm going out.
難(むずか)しいけれども、頑張(がんば)る。
It's difficult, but I'll try hard.
時間(じかん)はあるけれども、お金(かね)がない。
I have time, but I don't have money.
日本語(にほんご)は少(すこ)し話(はな)せるけれども、漢字(かんじ)を読(よ)むのはまだ難(むずか)しいです。
I can speak a little Japanese, but reading kanji is still difficult.

けれども is a formal conjunction meaning "but" or "however".

Formality levels

Usage

  • Attached after verbs, adjectives, or nouns+だ
  • Can be used mid-sentence or at sentence end

Sentence-final usage

Ending with けれども/けど softens the statement or implies there's more to say.

Note: In formal writing, が or しかし are preferred.

Related Words

Related: けれど
Related: けど
Compare: それでも (but still, nevertheless, even so)
Compare: ところが (however)
Compare: ものの (although)
Compare: なのに (despite that)
Compare: だけども (but)
Compare: だけれど (but)
basic
Added 2026.1.11 19:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
02500/02995_keredomo