Translation and Meaning of: でも - demo

The Japanese word 「でも」 (demo) is a widely used conjunction in the Japanese language and can be translated as "but", "however", or "nevertheless" in various contexts. The origin of the word is not associated with a specific kanji term, as it is often written in hiragana or katakana, but it plays a crucial role in structuring sentences by expressing contradiction or offering an alternative. The simplicity of 「でも」 allows it to adapt to many contexts, both in casual conversation and in more formal situations.

Etymologically speaking, the expression 「でも」 is composed of two parts: 「で」 (de) and 「も」 (mo). The particle 「で」 often functions as an indicator of condition or means in Japanese sentences, while the particle 「も」 is used to add the idea of "also" or "still" in many cases. When combined, these particles create a combination that allows for the expression of changes or additions in the course of reasoning or conversation. This small conjunction has the ability to change the tone of an interaction, introducing contrast or a new idea.

In addition to its function as a conjunction, 「でも」 also has interesting variations of use. When used after a noun, it can offer a tone of suggestion or possibility. For example, in a different context, it can be translated as "even" or "any." Such flexibility makes the expression a versatile component in the Japanese language, allowing users to express nuances clearly and efficiently. This informal use stands out for its adaptability in different language registers, making it an essential tool in the vocabulary of any Japanese learner.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• しかし (Shikashi) - however
• だが (Daga) - But, however
• ただ (Tada) - However, only, just
• しかしながら (Shikashi nagara) - however
• ところが (Tokoroga) - However, on the other hand (more colloquial usage)
• それにもかかわらず (Sore ni mo kakawarazu) - Apesar disso
• けれども (Keredomo) - However, nonetheless
• とはいえ (To wa ie) - However, even so
• それでも (Soredemo) - Even so
• それなのに (Sore nanoni) - Even so
• それに対して (Sore ni taishite) - In contrast to this
• それに比べて (Sore ni kurabete) - Compared to this
• それに反して (Sore ni hanshite) - In opposition to this
• それに対し (Sore ni taishi) - In response to that
• それに関して (Sore ni kanshite) - In relation to this
• それに関する (Sore ni kansuru) - Regarding this
• それについて (Sore ni tsuite) - About this
• それについては (Sore ni tsuite wa) - As for that
• それについても (Sore ni tsuite mo) - As for that too
• それについて言えば (Sore ni tsuite ieba) - If we talk about it
• それにつき (Sore ni tsuki) - About this
• それに応じて (Sore ni oujite) - According to this
• それに従って (Sore ni shitagatte) - Following this
• それに基づいて (Sore ni motozuite) - Based on this
• それに沿って (Sore ni sotte) - According to this
• それに合わせて (Sore ni awasete) - Adjusted to this

でも

Romaji: demo
Kana: でも
Type: adversative conjunction
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: but; however

Meaning in English: but;however

Definition: Used to introduce a counterpoint or caveat

Example Sentences - (でも) demo

See below some example sentences:

講堂での講演はとても興味深いです。

Koudou de no kouen wa totemo kyoumi fukai desu

As palestras no auditório são muito interessantes.

A palestra no auditório é muito interessante.

• 講堂 - sala de conferências
• での - in
• 講演 - lecture
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 興味深い - interessante
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

絹はとても柔らかい素材です。

Kinu wa totemo yawarakai sozai desu

Silk is a very soft material.

Silk is a very soft material.

• 絹 (kinu) - seda
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 柔らかい (yawarakai) - Soft, smooth
• 素材 (sozai) - material, substance
• です (desu) - ser, estar (verbo de ligação)

無邪気な笑顔がとても可愛いです。

Mujaki na egao ga totemo kawaii desu

The innocent facial expression is very cute.

The innocent smile is very cute.

• 無邪気な - Innocent, without malice
• 笑顔 - sorriso
• が - subject particle
• とても - very
• 可愛い - fofo, bonito
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

炊事は家事の中でも重要な役割を担っています。

Suiji wa kaji no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari wo ninatte imasu

Cooking is an important role among household chores.

Cooking plays an important role in housework.

• 炊事 - Food preparation, kitchen
• 家事 - Housework
• 中でも - Among them, especially
• 重要な - Important
• 役割を担っています - Plays a role

布で作られた服はとても快適です。

Fuku de tsukurareta fuku wa totemo kaiteki desu

Clothes made of fabric are very comfortable.

Clothing made of cloth is very comfortable.

• 布で作られた - made of fabric
• 服 - clothes
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 快適 - confortável
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

女史はとても優雅な雰囲気を持っています。

Joshi wa totemo yūga na fun'iki o motte imasu

The lady has a very elegant atmosphere.

Mrs. has a very elegant atmosphere.

• 女史 - indicates a respectable woman, usually used in formal contexts.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "女史".
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 優雅な - adjective that means "elegant" or "refined".
• 雰囲気 - noun that means "atmosphere" or "environment".
• を - object particle, indicates that "雰囲気" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess", in the affirmative present tense.

その邸宅はとても豪華でした。

sono teitaku wa totemo gouka deshita

That mansion was very luxurious.

The mansion was very luxurious.

• その - demonstrative pronoun "that"
• 邸宅 - noun "mansion"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - advérbio "muito"
• 豪華 - adjective "luxurious"
• でした - verb "to be" in the polite past

この部屋はとても冷える。

Kono heya wa totemo hieru

This room is very cold.

This room is too cold.

• この - this
• 部屋 - quarto
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 冷える - to be cold

とても嬉しいです。

Totemo ureshii desu

I am really happy.

I am really happy.

• <とても>- means "a lot" in Japanese.
• <嬉しい>- means "happy" in Japanese.
• <です>- is a closing particle in Japanese that indicates an affirmative statement.

鉄片はとても鋭いです。

Teppeki wa totemo surudoi desu

Iron fragments are very sharp.

The iron part is very sharp.

• 鉄片 (tetsuhen) - piece of iron
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 鋭い (surudoi) - afiado
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present