だって
だって
conjunction, particle
but, because, even
1.
but, because
Used at the beginning of a sentence to offer a reason or excuse, often with a slightly defensive or childish nuance.
だって、知らなかったんだもん。
But I didn't know!
だって仕方ないじゃない。
But it can't be helped, can it?
だって、疲れてたんだもん。
But I was tired!
だって本当なんだから。
But it's true!
だって、聞いてなかったよ。
But I didn't hear you!
だって、そう言われたんだもの。
But that's what I was told!
2.
even, also
Attached after a noun to mean 'even' or 'also,' similar to でも.
子供だってできる。
Even a child can do it.
誰だって間違える。
Anyone can make mistakes.
何だって食べる。
I eat anything.
彼だって分からなかった。
Even he didn't understand.
いつだって味方だよ。
I'm always on your side.
SENSE 1 - CONJUNCTION:
- Used at sentence start to give a reason or excuse
- Has a casual, sometimes childish or defensive tone
- Often paired with 〜んだもん, 〜んだから
SENSE 2 - PARTICLE:
- Noun + だって: Even (noun), (noun) also
- Similar to でも but more casual/emphatic
- 誰だって (anyone), 何だって (anything)
REGISTER: Casual/colloquial. Not used in formal speech or writing.
SIMILAR:
- だって: Casual, defensive
- でも: But (more neutral)
- だけど/けど: But (casual)
Related Words
Related:
でも (but, even)