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" is a particle that generally functions as an adversative connector, similar to "but" or "however" in English. 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:

あなたはとても可愛いちゃんですね。

Anata wa totemo kawaii chan desu ne

Você é muito fofo

• あなた (anata) - you
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 可愛い (kawaii) - bonito, fofo
• ちゃん (chan) - sufixo carinhoso para meninas
• です (desu) - Verb to be
• ね (ne) - confirmation particle

お兄さんはとても優しい人です。

Oniisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My older brother is a very kind person.

Your brother is a very kind person.

• お兄さん - irmão mais velho
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - verb to be in the polite form

お祖母さんはとても優しい人です。

Obaasan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

Minha avó é uma pessoa muito gentil.

• お祖母さん - grandmother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (linking verb)

お祖父さんはとても優しい人です。

Ojiisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandfather is a very kind person.

• お祖父さん - avô
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

カレーはとても美味しいです。

Karee wa totemo oishii desu

The curry is very delicious.

Curry is very delicious.

• カレー (karē) - curry
• は (wa) - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• とても (totemo) - muito, extremamente
• 美味しい (oishii) - delicioso, saboroso
• です (desu) - polite copula, similar to "is" or "am" in English

このパンはとても硬いです。

Kono pan wa totemo katai desu

Este pão está muito duro.

Este pão é muito difícil.

• この - this
• パン - pão
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 硬い - duro
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

このブローチはとても美しいです。

Kono burōchi wa totemo utsukushii desu

Esta broche é muito bonita.

Este broche é muito bonito.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• ブローチ - substantivo "broche"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 美しい - adjetivo "bonito"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この膜はとても薄くて強いです。

Kono maku wa totemo usukute tsuyoi desu

This membrane is very thin and strong.

This membrane is very thin and strong.

• この (kono) - this, these
• 膜 (maku) - membrane, film
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 薄い (usui) - fine, light
• 強い (tsuyoi) - strong
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

この問題はとても難しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo muzukashii desu

This problem is very difficult.

This problem is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 問題 - noun "problem"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 難しい - adjetivo "difícil"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この塀はとても高いです。

Kono hei wa totemo takai desu

This wall is very high.

This fence is very expensive.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 塀 - "wall"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 高い - adjective "tall"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form