1.
but; however; though (a slightly more emphatic variant of だけど)
A casual conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what was just said. Functionally close to だけど, but with the extra も giving a slight feeling of "and yet…" or "…even so." Common in conversational and online writing; rare in formal documents.
だけども is a casual conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement, very close in meaning and feel to だけど. The extra も lends it a slightly stronger "…and yet," "…even so" nuance, similar to the relationship between けれど and けれども.
FORMALITY VARIANTS (most casual → most formal):
- だけど: casual
- だけども: casual, slightly more emphatic than だけど
- だけれど: slightly more formal than だけど
- だけれども: full, formal form
- ですけれども: polite formal
Usage
- Most often appears at the start of a new sentence after a period ("…。だけども、…") rather than mid-clause.
- Can also trail at the end of a clause to soften the statement: 〜のだけども、… ("…though, but…").
- だけども feels slightly more colloquial and warm than the longer だけれども; speakers may prefer it when they want a softer, more chatty tone in casual speech or messaging.
- It is rarely seen in formal written contexts (essays, business documents); use しかし or だけれども there instead.
Similar words
- だけど: but (more neutral/casual; the most common option in conversation)
- けれども: but (attaches to verb/adjective stems; slightly more polite)
- でも: but (general-purpose casual conjunction; can begin a sentence)
- しかし: however (more formal, written)
- ただし: however / provided that (introduces a qualification or condition)