JLPT N4 reference · Clauses and connections
けれど and が
They can mean “but,” soften a statement, or leave the intended request to context.
Core meaning and form
Place けれど, けど, or が after a clause to mark contrast or provide a conversational lead-in. けど is conversational; けれども is fuller; が is common in polite interaction and writing.
- Form: Place けれど, けど, or が after a clause to mark contrast or provide a conversational lead-in.
- Core use: They can mean “but,” soften a statement, or leave the intended request to context.
- Context: けど is conversational; けれども is fuller; が is common in polite interaction and writing.
Examples in context
安いけれど、おいしいです。Yasui keredo, oishii desu.It is cheap but delicious.
すみませんが、駅はどこですか。Sumimasen ga, eki wa doko desu ka.Excuse me, but where is the station?
行きたいけど、時間がない。Ikitai kedo, jikan ga nai.I want to go, but I do not have time.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Place けれど, けど, or が after a clause to mark contrast or provide a conversational lead-in.
- They can mean “but,” soften a statement, or leave the intended request to context.
- けど is conversational; けれども is fuller; が is common in polite interaction and writing.