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:

この品物はとても高価です。

Kono shinamono wa totemo kōka desu

This product is very expensive.

This item is very expensive.

• この - this
• 品物 - item, product
• は - is
• とても - very
• 高価 - dear, valuable
• です - It (verb to be polite)

この宮殿はとても美しいです。

Kono kyūden wa totemo utsukushii desu

This palace is very beautiful.

• この - this
• 宮殿 - palace
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - be (linking verb)

この女優はとても才能がある。

Kono joyū wa totemo sainō ga aru

This actress has a lot of talent.

This actress is very talented.

• この - this
• 女優 - actress
• は - is
• とても - very
• 才能 - talent
• が - have
• ある - exist

この神社の柱はとても古いです。

Kono jinja no hashira wa totemo furui desu

The pillars of this shrine are very old.

• この - this
• 神社 - Sanctuary
• の - of
• 柱 - column/pillar
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 古い - old
• です - Verb to be

このブラウスはとてもかわいいですね。

Kono burausu wa totemo kawaii desu ne

This blouse is very cute

This blouse is very cute.

• この - this
• ブラウス - blouse
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• かわいい - pretty, cute
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね - confirmation particle

この木材はとても堅いです。

Kono mokuzai wa totemo katai desu

This wood is very hard.

This wood is very difficult.

• この - this
• 木材 - wood
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 堅い - Hard
• です - to be (state verb)

この映画の監督はとても有名です。

Kono eiga no kantoku wa totemo yumei desu

The director of this film is very famous.

• この - this
• 映画 - movie
• の - of
• 監督 - Director
• は - is
• とても - very
• 有名 - famous
• です - is (polished form)

この腕時計を着けるのはとても簡単です。

Kono udedokei wo tsukeru no wa totemo kantan desu

Wearing this watch is very easy.

• この - this
• 腕時計 - Wristwatch
• を - direct object particle
• 着ける - use, place
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• とても - very
• 簡単 - easy
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

このシリーズはとても面白いです。

Kono shirīzu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This series is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• シリーズ - noun "series"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 面白い - adjective "interesting/fun"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この機械はとても便利です。

Kono kikai wa totemo benri desu

This machine is very useful.

This machine is very convenient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
• は - Topic particle, indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 便利 - adjective meaning "useful", "convenient"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicates the state or quality of the subject