Translation and Meaning of: でも - demo

The Japanese word でも (demo) is one of those versatile particles that appear frequently in everyday life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese, you may have already encountered it in dialogues, animes, or even in songs. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, the most common uses, and even some curiosities about this small word that carries significant weight in Japanese communication. If you are looking to understand how and when to use it, you have come to the right place.

The basic meaning and use of でも

However, it is a particle that generally functions as an adversative connector, similar to "but" or "however". It is often used at the beginning of sentences to introduce an objection, contrast, or reservation. For example, if someone says "It's raining", you can respond with "でも、傘を持っていない" (Demo, kasa o motte inai) — "But I don't have an umbrella".

Moreover, でも can also be used to soften statements or express hesitation. In informal situations, Japanese people often use it to add a more casual tone to the conversation. For example, when suggesting a place to eat, someone might say "でも、ラーメンはどう？" (Demo, ramen wa dou?) — "But how about ramen?". In this case, the word does not necessarily indicate opposition, but rather a more natural transition in the dialogue.

Origin and structure of でも

The word でも is a combination of the particle で (de) and the adverb も (mo). While で indicates a means or context, も adds the sense of "also" or "even." Together, they form an expression that conveys the idea of "still" or "anyway." This construction is common in other Japanese particles, which often arise from the combination of simpler elements.

It is worth noting that でも does not have a complex ancient or historical origin — it is simply a natural evolution of the modern Japanese language. Unlike words derived from classical Chinese, でも is purely Japanese and reflects the way the language adapts to create smoother connections in everyday speech.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing でも

An easy way to remember the use of でも is to associate it with situations where you need to disagree or add a caveat. Think about how we use "but" in Portuguese — almost every time でも appears, there is a shift in the direction of the conversation. Watching dialogues in animes or Japanese dramas can help internalize its use, as the word appears frequently in natural contexts.

Another interesting fact is that でも can be used alone as an interjection, especially in quick responses. If someone asks "Do you like sushi?" and you reply "でも…" with a pause, it indicates hesitation or a contrary opinion. This type of usage is very common in Japan and shows how the language values indirect and polite communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

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:

この施設はとてもきれいです。

Kono shisetsu wa totemo kirei desu

This installation is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 施設 - noun that means "installation", "equipment", "facility"
• は - topic particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, equivalent to "about" or "regarding"
• とても - adverb that means "very", "extremely"
• きれい - Adjective that means "beautiful", "clean", "tidy"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject, equivalent to "to be" or "to stay"

この文章はとても面白いです。

Kono bunshou wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This sentence is very interesting.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 文章 - Noun that means "text" or "written document".
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 面白い - adjective that means "interesting" or "fun".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

この皿はとても美しいです。

Kono sara wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sign is very beautiful.

This dish is very beautiful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 皿 - Noun meaning "dish".
• は - Topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - A linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject.

このアプリはとても便利です。

Kono apuri wa totemo benri desu

This app is very convenient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• アプリ - abbreviation of "application," referring to software for mobile devices or computers
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this application"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 便利 - adjective that means "useful" or "convenient"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that "this app is very useful"

このコーナーはとても危険です。

Kono kōnā wa totemo kiken desu

This corner is very dangerous.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• コーナー - noun meaning "curve" or "corner"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 危険 - adjective that means "dangerous" or "risky"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このプランはとても魅力的です。

Kono puran wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This plan is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プラン - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, the previously mentioned plan
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - Adjective that means "attractive" or "seductive"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この仕掛けはとても面白いですね。

Kono shikake wa totemo omoshiroi desu ne

This trick is very interesting

This device is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕掛け - noun that means "device" or "mechanism"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - verb to be or to be in the polite form
• ね - final particle indicating confirmation or search for agreement

この台はとても重いです。

Kono dai wa totemo omoi desu

This platform is very heavy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 台 - noun meaning "table" or "platform"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 重い - adjective meaning "heavy"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この句はとても美しいです。

Kono ku wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sentence is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 句 - noun meaning "verse" or "short poem"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題はとても易しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This problem is very easy.

This problem is very easy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 易しい - adjective meaning "easy"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative