〜けど、〜
But 〜けど (colloquial)
Meaning
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". The everyday spoken equivalent of が.
Formation
[clause] + けど、+ [clause]
Notes
More casual than が. Common in conversation. Also used as a softener when bringing up a topic: あのけど "um, ...".
Examples
行（い）きたいけど、時間（じかん）がありません。
I want to go, but I don't have time. (casual)
Breakdown
昨日（きのう）は寒（さむ）かったけど、今日（きょう）は暖（あたた）かいです。
Yesterday was cold, but today is warm.
Breakdown
高（たか）いけど、美味（おい）しいです。
It's expensive, but delicious.
Breakdown
難（むずか）しいけど、面白（おもしろ）いです。
It's difficult, but interesting.
Breakdown
もう少（すこ）し安（やす）ければ買（か）うけど、今（いま）の値段（ねだん）では無理（むり）です。
I'd buy it if it were a bit cheaper, but at this price, no way.
Breakdown
⚠️ Often confused with
〜が、〜
But 〜が
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". More formal/written than けど.
〜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.