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

でも é uma partícula que geralmente funciona como um conector adversativo, semelhante ao "mas" ou "porém". Ela é frequentemente usada no início de frases para introduzir uma objeção, contraste ou ressalva. Por exemplo, se alguém diz "Está chovendo", você pode responder com "でも、傘を持っていない" (Demo, kasa o motte inai) — "Mas eu não tenho guarda-chuva".

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:

このタワーはとても高いです。

Kono tawā wa totemo takai desu

This tower is very tall.

This tower is very expensive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• タワー - noun that means "tower"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - linking verb that indicates formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

この公演はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono kouen wa totemo subarashii desu

This presentation is very wonderful.

This performance is very wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 公演 - noun meaning "presentation" or "performance"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this presentation"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the simple present

この写真はとても映える。

Kono shashin wa totemo haeru

This photo is very beautiful.

This picture shines a lot.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 写真 - noun meaning "photo"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this photo"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 映える - verb meaning "to shine" or "to stand out"

この商店はとても人気があります。

Kono shouten wa totemo ninki ga arimasu

This store is very popular.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 商店 - noun meaning "store"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this store"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle indicating that "popularity" is the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この地区はとても静かです。

Kono chiku wa totemo shizuka desu

This area is very peaceful.

This area is very quiet.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地区 - noun that means "area" or "region"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 静か - adjective that means "still" or "calm"
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この地名はとても美しいです。

Kono chimei wa totemo utsukushii desu

This place name is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地名 - noun that means "name of place"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この塔はとても美しいです。

Kono tou wa totemo utsukushii desu

This tower is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 塔 - noun that means "tower"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "this tower" is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present tense

この実物はとても美しいです。

Kono jitsubutsu wa totemo utsukushii desu

This royal piece is very beautiful.

This real thing is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 実物 - noun that means "real object"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "実物"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この建物はとても美しいです。

Kono tatemono wa totemo utsukushii desu

This construction is very beautiful.

This building is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この店はとてもきれいです。

Kono mise wa totemo kirei desu

This store is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 店 - noun meaning "store"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this store"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• きれい - adjective meaning "beautiful, clean"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence