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:

この料理の香りはとてもいいですね。

Kono ryōri no kaori wa totemo ii desu ne

The perfume of this dish is very good.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 料理 - noun that means "kitchen" or "culinary"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 香り - noun that means "aroma" or "perfume"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• いい - adjective meaning "good"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

この教材はとても役に立ちます。

Kono kyōzai wa totemo yaku ni tachimasu

This teaching material is very useful.

This teaching material is very useful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 教材 - noun meaning "teaching material"
• は - partopic marker indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this teaching material"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 役に立ちます - verb that means "to be useful"

この木はとても固いです。

Kono ki wa totemo katai desu

This tree is very hard.

This tree is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 木 - noun meaning "tree"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "this tree" is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 固い - adjective that means "hard"
• です - linking verb that indicates the existence or state of the tree

この本はとてもわかりやすい解説が書かれています。

Kono hon wa totemo wakariyasui kaisetsu ga kakarete imasu

This book has a very easy explanation to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the book is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• わかりやすい - adjective that means "easy to understand"
• 解説 - noun meaning "explanation"
• が - subject particle that indicates that the explanation is the subject of the sentence
• 書かれています - passive verb that means "was written"

この本はとても面白いです。

Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This book is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - The adjective that means "interesting/fun" is "面白い" (omoshiroi).
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この枝はとても美しいです。

Kono eda wa totemo utsukushii desu

This branch is very beautiful.

This branch is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 枝 - noun meaning "twig"
• 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 polite form

この杯はとても美しいです。

Kono hai wa totemo utsukushii desu

This cup is very beautiful.

This cup is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 杯 - Noun that means "glass" or "cup"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この橋はとても美しいです。

Kono hashi wa totemo utsukushii desu

This bridge is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 橋 - noun that means "bridge"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - state verb indicating "to be"

この池はとても美しいです。

Kono ike wa totemo utsukushii desu

This lake is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 池 - noun that means "lake"
• は - topic particle indicating that the lake is the theme of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この溶液はとても濃いです。

Kono youeki wa totemo koi desu

This solution is very concentrated.

This solution is very dark.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 溶液 - noun meaning "solution"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 濃い - adjective that means "concentrated"
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite and educated form of speech