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:

このケースはとても丈夫です。

Kono kēsu wa totemo jōbu desu

This box is very resistant.

This case is very strong.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• ケース - means "case" or "box"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 丈夫 - adjective that means "resistant" or "strong"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

このレストランの評判はとても良いです。

Kono resutoran no hyouban wa totemo ii desu

The reputation of this restaurant is very good.

The reputation of this restaurant is very good.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• レストラン - restaurant
• の - particle of possession, in this case, "of"
• 評判 - Reputação, fama
• は - topic particle, in this case "about"
• とても - very
• 良い - good
• です - verb to be, in this case, "is"

この塊はとても重いです。

Kono katamari wa totemo omoi desu

This ball is very heavy.

This lump is very heavy.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 塊 - means "block" or "mass"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the block is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 重い - adjective meaning "heavy"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present and formal tense

この本は私の研究にとても参考になりました。

Kono hon wa watashi no kenkyū ni totemo sankō ni narimashita

This book was very useful as a reference for my research.

This book was very useful in my research.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 本 - It means "book".
• は - topic particle, indicates that the book is the subject of the sentence
• 私 - means "I"
• の - possessive particle, indicates that the book is "mine"
• 研究 - It means "research".
• に - particle that indicates purpose, in this case, "for"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 参考 - It means "reference"
• に - again the particle that indicates the purpose, in this case, "para"
• なりました - verb that indicates that the book "became" a very useful reference for research.

この花の匂いはとても良いです。

Kono hana no nioi wa totemo ii desu

The smell of this flower is very good.

The smell of this flower is very good.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 花 - It means "flower"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "da"
• 匂い - means "smell"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 良い - adjective meaning "good"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この入れ物はとても便利です。

Kono iremono wa totemo benri desu

This box is very convenient.

This container is very convenient.

• この - this
• 入れ物 - container
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 便利 - convenient
• です - is

この街の治安はとても良いです。

Kono machi no chian wa totemo yoi desu

The security in this city is very good.

The safety of this city is very good.

• この - this
• 街 - city
• の - of
• 治安 - security
• は - is
• とても - very
• 良い - good
• です - is (politeness)

この図はとてもわかりやすいです。

Kono zu wa totemo wakariyasui desu

This figure is very easy to understand.

This number is very easy to understand.

• この - this
• 図 - figure, image
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• わかりやすい - Easy to understand
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この形容動詞はとても美しいです。

Kono keiyō dōshi wa totemo utsukushii desu

This adjective is very beautiful.

This adjective verb is very beautiful.

• この - this
• 形容動詞 - descriptive adjective
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - is (polite way of putting it)

お姉さんはとても優しい人です。

Oneesan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

The older sister is a very kind person.

Your sister is a very kind person.

• お姉さん - honorific for "big sister"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form