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道Nihongo Path
但

但·however, provided that

On-yomi
タン
Kun-yomi
ただ(し)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
但しただしhowever, provided that (written register)
但し書きただしがきproviso, the 'provided that' clause
但書ただしがきproviso (legal spelling)
但馬牛たじまうしTajima beef cattle (the source stock of Kobe beef)

Example sentences

  1. 参加は自由です。但し、事前の申し込みが必要です。

    さんかはじゆうです。ただし、じぜんのもうしこみがひつようです。

    Anyone may take part. However, you must apply in advance.

  2. 契約書の但し書きをよく読んでください。

    けいやくしょのただしがきをよくよんでください。

    Please read the proviso in the contract carefully.

  3. 送料は無料。但し、離島は除く。

    そうりょうはむりょう。ただし、りとうはのぞく。

    Shipping is free, except for remote islands.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing ただし as 唯し or 只し — the conjunction is 但し
  • Using 但し in speech — it is written register; in conversation say ただ or でも

Memory aid

Picture it

A person 亻 beside daybreak 旦: one more condition added at first light before you set out — 'provided that...'.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 但 mean?