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:

この花はとても良い香りが匂う。

Kono hana wa totemo yoi kaori ga niou

This flower has a very pleasant smell.

This flower smells very well.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 花 - noun meaning "flower"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "this flower"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 良い - adjective meaning "good"
• 香り - noun meaning "fragrance" or "smell"
• が - subject particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "the smell"
• 匂う - verb meaning "to smell"

この資料はとても役に立ちます。

Kono shiryou wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu

This information is very useful.

This material is very useful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 資料 - noun meaning "material" or "document"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 役に立ちます - verb that means "to be useful" or "to serve a purpose"

この都道府県の知事はとても有能です。

Kono todōfuken no chiji wa totemo yūnō desu

The governor of this prefecture is very competent.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 都道府県 - term used in Japan to refer to the country's 47 prefectures
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 知事 - political position equivalent to governor of a province
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 有能 - adjective meaning "competent" or "capable"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, used to indicate an affirmation or a description

この機械の動きはとてもスムーズです。

Kono kikai no ugoki wa totemo sumūzu desu

The movement of this machine is very soft.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine";
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English;
• 動き - noun meaning "movement";
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in English;
• とても - adverb meaning "very";
• スムーズ - adjective meaning "smooth" or "without problems";
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative.

このアプリの機能はとても便利です。

Kono apuri no kinō wa totemo benri desu

The function of this app is very convenient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• アプリ - The noun that means "application" is "aplicativo".
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 機能 - noun that means "function"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 便利 - adjective meaning "convenient" or "useful"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

このコートはとても厚いです。

Kono kōto wa totemo atsui desu

This coat is very thick.

This coat is very thick.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• コート - noun that means "coat"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 厚い - adjective that means "thick, coarse"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject

このコースはとても難しいです。

Kono kōsu wa totemo muzukashii desu

This course is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• コース - noun that means "course"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このシーズンはとても暑いですね。

Kono shīzun wa totemo atsui desu ne

This season is very hot.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• シーズン - noun that means "season"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 暑い - adjective that means "hot"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or a request for confirmation

このタレントはとても人気があります。

Kono tarento wa totemo ninki ga arimasu

This talent is very popular.

This talent is very popular.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• タレント - noun meaning "artist" or "celebrity"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle indicating that "人気" is the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to have" or "to exist", in the present tense

このセットはとても便利です。

Kono setto wa totemo benri desu

This set is very convenient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• セット - noun that means "set"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 便利 - adjective that means "useful, convenient"
• です - verb to be in the present affirmative