But 〜が

Meaning

Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". More formal/written than けど.

Formation

[clause] + が、+ [clause]

Notes

Often used in writing and polite speech. Also as a softener when introducing a topic or request (失礼ですが "excuse me, but...").

Examples

日本（にほん）へ行（い）きたいですが、時間（じかん）がありません。

I want to go to Japan, but I don't have time.

Breakdown

にほん日本 Japan e へ to いきたい行きたい want to go ですが but じかん時間 time が (subject) ありません do not have

この本（ほん）は高（たか）いですが、面白（おもしろ）いです。

This book is expensive, but interesting.

Breakdown

この this ほん本 book wa は (topic) たかい高い expensive ですが but おもしろい面白い interesting です is

夏（なつ）は暑（あつ）いですが、冬（ふゆ）は寒（さむ）いです。

Summer is hot, but winter is cold.

Breakdown

なつ夏 summer wa は (topic) あつい暑い hot ですが but ふゆ冬 winter wa は (topic) さむい寒い cold です is

失礼（しつれい）ですが、お名前（なまえ）は何（なん）ですか。

Excuse me, but what is your name? (softener use)

Breakdown

しつれい失礼 rude ですが but おなまえお名前 name (polite) wa は (topic) なん何 what ですか is?

美味（おい）しいですが、少（すこ）し高（たか）いです。

It's delicious, but a bit expensive.

Breakdown

おいしい美味しい delicious ですが but すこし少し a little たかい高い expensive です is

⚠️ Often confused with

〜けど、〜

But 〜けど (colloquial)

Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". The everyday spoken equivalent of が...

〜のに

Although 〜のに

Contrast with feeling — "although ~", "even though ~". Carries surprise, disappointment or...

〜くせに

Even though (reproach) 〜くせに

"Even though ~", "and yet ~" — with contempt, blame or resentment.

〜ながらも

Although (formal) 〜ながらも

"Although ~", "while ~" — a written contrast between two facts held at once.

〜にもかかわらず

In spite of 〜にもかかわらず

"In spite of ~", "despite ~" — a strong, formal contrast.

〜わりに

Considering 〜わりに

"Considering ~", "for a ~" — the result is out of proportion with what you would expect.

〜ものの

Although (written) 〜ものの

"Although ~", "~, but" — the expected consequence did not follow.

〜とはいえ

Be that as it may 〜とはいえ

"Although ~", "be that as it may" — concedes a known fact, then denies the expectation it...

〜といえども

Even granting that 〜といえども

"Even though ~", "even ~ (of all people)" — a very formal concession.