JLPT N5 Grammar – The difference between “〜けど” and “〜が”
Table of Contents
1. The difference between “〜けど” and “〜が”
2. 〜けど
3. 〜が
4. Usage Distinction
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comments
Q: Is there a difference between “〜けど” and “〜が”?
A: Both can express contrast, similar to “however,” but “〜けど” is more conversational. In addition, “〜が” can be used as a polite lead-in when addressing someone, whereas “〜けど” is generally not used in that way.
〜けど (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
Indicates a light contrast or connects two clauses
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + けど
[A] い adjective plain form + けど
[Na] な adjective plain form + けど
[N] Noun plain form + けど
*“けど” functions both as a conjunctive particle and as a conjunction
[① Colloquial and soft in tone]
“〜けど” is a casual expression frequently used in everyday conversation. It sounds friendly and relaxed, and can be used in a wide range of situations—from conversations between friends to light, informal talk in business settings.
[Examples]
このクッキーは安かったけど、あまりおいしくないですね。
This cookie was cheap, but it’s not very good.
この映画おもしろかったけど、長かったです。
This movie was interesting, but it was long.
[② Leaving a “softened” or unfinished feeling at the end of a sentence]
In Japanese, ambiguity is often regarded as a form of politeness. This makes “〜けど” useful when you want to avoid expressing something too directly. For that reason, it is common to place “〜けど” at the end of a sentence and intentionally leave the second half unsaid.
[Examples]
今日は少し都合が悪いんですけど…。
I’m afraid today isn’t very convenient for me…
⇒ It’s a gentle way of declining.
すみません、これ注文したものと違うんですけど…。
Excuse me, but this is different from what I ordered…
⇒ A complaint expressed indirectly, leaving the listener to understand the implication.
[③ Colloquial form of “けれど / けれども”]
“〜けど” is the shortened, colloquial form of “けれど” and “けれども,” and it can also function as a conjunction. Because of this, it can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to connect the flow of a conversation.
[Examples]
A: 駅までバスで行こうか。
B: けど、タクシーで行った方が早いよ。
A: Shall we go to the station by bus?
B: But taking a taxi would be faster.
中国語の読み書きは少しできます。だけど、話すことはできません。
I can read and write a little Chinese, but I can’t speak it.
Let’s read this related article as well.
JLPT N4・N5 Grammar
The difference between “〜けど” and “〜のに”
〜が (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
Indicates contrast, connects clauses, or introduces a topic
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + けど
[A] い adjective plain form + けど
[Na] な adjective plain form + けど
[N] Noun plain form + けど
*“が” functions as a particle
[① Polite and suitable for written language]
“〜が” gives a polite impression and is commonly used in formal writing and business emails. It helps connect information while showing consideration for the listener or reader.
[Examples]
雨でしたが、イベントを行いました。
It was raining, but we held the event.
確認したい点があるのですが、よろしいでしょうか。
There’s something I’d like to confirm with you. Would that be alright?
今日の会議ですが、10時でよろしいですか。
About today’s meeting—does 10 o’clock work for you?
[② Can be used as a lead-in]
One major feature of “〜が” is that it can be used as a lead-in before getting to the main point of the conversation. It helps introduce a topic or draw the listener’s attention. This usage is rarely seen with “〜けど.”
[Examples]
先日の話ですが、進展はありましたか？
About the matter we discussed the other day—has there been any progress?
もしもし、田中ですが。
Hello, this is Tanaka.
[③ Leaving a soft, unfinished nuance at the end of a sentence]
In Japanese, ambiguity is often considered a form of politeness, so “〜が” is frequently used when the speaker wants to avoid expressing something too directly. Similar to “〜けど,” it is common to place “〜が” at the end of a sentence and intentionally leave the rest unsaid.
[Examples]
ちょっと相談したいことがあるんですが…。
I have something I’d like to discuss with you…
今日はちょっとバタバタしているんですが…。
I’m a bit tied up today…
Usage Distinction
There are several Japanese expressions that indicate contrast, and each differs in terms of politeness, style, and the situations in which it is used. Here, we summarize four commonly used expressions.
■ 「ですけど」
“ですけど” is formed from “です” + “けど.” It maintains politeness while sounding more conversational and soft. It is widely used in spoken Japanese and is natural in requests, consultations, and as a gentle lead-in.
■ 「だけど」
“だけど” is a stronger, more casual version of “〜けど.”
It is informal, but very common in everyday conversation, and can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to connect the flow of dialogue.
■ 「ですが」
“ですが” is a polite expression frequently used in formal settings such as business, email, and explanations.
It connects sentences smoothly while showing consideration for the listener, and is one of the most widely used polite contrast expressions.
■ 「だが」
“だが” is a written-style contrast expression used in formal texts such as academic writing, news articles, and explanatory documents.
Because it sounds very stiff, it is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Summary
| Expression | Meaning | Politeness | Part of speech | Usage situations | Sentence-initial usage | Sentence-final usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 〜けど | Contrast only | Colloquial | Conjunctive particle / conjunction | Everyday conversation, spoken language | Possible (when used as a conjunction) | Possible (used to soften or trail off) |
| 〜が | Contrast / lead-in | Polite | Particle | Polite conversation, business, email | Not possible | Possible (used to soften or trail off) |
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