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:

この問題はとても容易いです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This question 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 - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this problem"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 容易い - adjective meaning "easy" or "simple"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この器はとても美しいです。

Kono utsuwa wa totemo utsukushii desu

This bowl is very beautiful.

This ship is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 器 - noun meaning "utensil", "container" or "vessel"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "this container"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "pretty", "beautiful" or "elegant"
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite and formal form

この型はとても綺麗ですね。

Kono kata wa totemo kirei desu ne

This type is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 型 - noun that means "model", "type" or "form"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 綺麗 - adjective that means "nice", "clean" or "pretty"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form
• ね - final particle that indicates that the speaker is seeking confirmation or agreement from the listener

この家屋はとても古いです。

Kono kaya wa totemo furui desu

This house is very old.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 家屋 - noun meaning "house" or "residential building"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 古い - adjective that means "old" or "ancient"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この掲示はとても重要です。

Kono keiji wa totemo juuyou desu

This board is very important.

This warning is very important.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 掲示 - noun that means "notice" or "advertisement"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この料理はとても美味しいです。

Kono ryōri wa totemo oishii desu

This food is very delicious.

This dish is very delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of discourse

この映画の人物はとても魅力的です。

Kono eiga no jinbutsu wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The characters in this movie are very captivating.

The person in this movie is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 人物 - noun meaning "character"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この曲の節はとても美しいです。

Kono kyoku no fushi wa totemo utsukushii desu

The clause of this song is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 曲 - noun meaning "music"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 節 - noun meaning "stretch" or "section"
• 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 the polite and polite form

この本はとても気に入りました。

Kono hon wa totemo ki ni irimashita

I really liked this book.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this book"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 気に入りました - verb meaning "I liked it very much", composed of the following elements -
  • 気 - noun meaning "feeling", "emotion" or "will"
  • に - particle indicating an action towards something or someone, in this case, "like"
  • 入りました - verb meaning "to enter", but in this context it is used as an idiomatic expression indicating "to like very much"

この産物はとても高品質です。

Kono sanbutsu wa totemo kouhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 産物 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form