JLPT N5 grammar comparison
が (but) vs でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the が (but) lesson
でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something): でも starts a new sentence; が joins two clauses in one.
From the でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something) lesson
が (but): が joins two clauses in one sentence; でも starts a new one.
Side by side
が (but)
ga (but) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- "~, but ~" — joins two contrasting clauses; also a soft introduction ("~, and…").
- Formation
Clause 1 (polite or plain) + が、Clause 2
日本語は難しいですが、面白いです。
にほんごは むずかしいですが、おもしろいです。
Japanese is difficult, but it's interesting.
昨日デパートへ行きましたが、何も買いませんでした。
きのう デパートへ いきましたが、なにも かいませんでした。
I went to the department store yesterday, but I didn't buy anything.
でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something)
demo · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- (1) Sentence-initial でも = "but / however". (2) Noun + でも = "even ~" or "~ or something" (a casual suggestion).
- Formation
。でも、… ／ Noun + でも
昨日は雨でした。でも、サッカーをしました。
きのうは あめでした。でも、サッカーを しました。
It rained yesterday. But we played football.
お茶でも飲みませんか。
おちゃでも のみませんか。
Would you like some tea or something?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between が (but) and でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something)?
でも starts a new sentence; が joins two clauses in one.
When do you use でも (however) ／ でも (even, or something) instead of が (but)?
が joins two clauses in one sentence; でも starts a new one.