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:

この町はとても静かです。

Kono machi wa totemo shizuka desu

This city is very quiet.

This city is very quiet.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 町 - noun meaning "city"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 静か - adjective meaning "silent, tranquil"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject

この看板はとても美しいです。

Kono kanban wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sign is very beautiful.

This signal is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 看板 - noun meaning "sign" or "poster"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this license plate"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present tense

「この祭壇はとても美しいです」

Kono saidan wa totemo utsukushii desu

This altar is very beautiful.

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

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この見本はとても魅力的です。

Kono mihon wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This sample is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 見本 - noun meaning "example" or "sample"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この説明はとても分かりやすいです。

Kono setsumei wa totemo wakariyasui desu

This explanation is very clear.

This explanation is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 説明 - noun meaning "explanation"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective that means "easy to understand"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この館はとても美しいです。

Kono yakata wa totemo utsukushii desu

This mansion is very beautiful.

This hall is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 館 - noun meaning "building"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

このイベントの賞品はとても魅力的です。

Kono ibento no shōhin wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The prizes of this event are very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun
• イベント - event
• の - Possession particle
• 賞品 - award
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb of intensity (very)
• 魅力的 - adjective (attractive)
• です - verb ser/estar (polite)

このペンはとても便利です。

Kono pen wa totemo benri desu

This pen is very useful.

This pen is very convenient.

• このペン - "このペン"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• とても - "very"
• 便利 - "役に立つ" em japonês.
• です - polite form of "to be" in Japanese

この催しはとても楽しいです。

Kono moyoshi wa totemo tanoshii desu

This event is a lot of fun.

• この催し - "this poem" This event
• は - wa- Topic particle
• とても - totem - Very
• 楽しい - "fun" Funny
• です - desu - Ser/estar (linking verb)