JLPT N5 grammar comparison
が (but) vs けど ／ けれども
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the が (but) lesson
けど ／ けれども: The casual equivalent.
From the けど ／ けれども lesson
が (but): Same meaning; が is more polite and used in writing.
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.
けど ／ けれども
kedo keredomo · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- "but / although" — casual equivalent of the conjunction が.
- Formation
Clause 1 (plain or polite) + けど／けれど／けれども、Clause 2
高いけど、買います。
たかいけど、かいます。
It's expensive, but I'll buy it.
頑張ったけど、試験に落ちました。
がんばったけど、しけんに おちました。
I tried hard, but I failed the exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between が (but) and けど ／ けれども?
The casual equivalent.
When do you use けど ／ けれども instead of が (but)?
Same meaning; が is more polite and used in writing.