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:

この定規はとても便利です。

Kono jōgi wa totemo benri desu

This ruler is very useful.

This ruler is very convenient.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 定規 - noun "ruler"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 便利 - adjective "useful, convenient"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この木の幹はとても太いです。

Kono ki no miki wa totemo futoi desu

The trunk of this tree is very thick.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 木 - noun "tree"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 幹 - noun "trunk"
• は - topic particle "は"
• とても - adverb "very"
• 太い - adjective "thick"
• です - verb "to be" (polite)

この料理の味はとても美味しいです。

Kono ryōri no aji wa totemo oishii desu

The flavor of this dish is very delicious.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 料理 - noun "dish, food"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 味 - noun "flavor"
• は - topic particle "is about"
• とても - adverb "very"
• 美味しい - Adjective "delicious"
• です - verb "to be" in the present polite

この模型はとても精密に作られています。

Kono mokei wa totemo seimitsu ni tsukurareteimasu

This model is made very precisely.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 模型 - Noun "model"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 精密 - adjective "precise"
• に - Target particle
• 作られています - passive verb "was done"

この作家の小説はとても面白いです。

Kono sakka no shousetsu wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This writer's novel is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 小説 - noun that means "romance" or "novel"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "é"

この街はとても美しいです。

Kono machi wa totemo utsukushii desu

This city is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 街 - noun meaning "city"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the city"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この喜劇はとても面白いです。

Kono kigeki wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This comedy is very funny.

This comedy is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative determiner meaning "this"
• 喜劇 - Noun that means "comedy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この大学の教授はとても優秀です。

Kono daigaku no kyōju wa totemo yūshū desu

The professors at this university are very competent.

The professor at this university is very good.

• この - demonstrative determiner
• 大学 - noun meaning "university"
• の - Possessive particle
• 教授 - noun meaning "teacher"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優秀 - adjective that means "excellent"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to be" in the present tense

この包みはとても重いです。

Kono tsutsumi wa totemo omoi desu

This package is very heavy.

This package is very heavy.

• この - this
• 包み - package
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 重い - heavy
• です - is

この品種のりんごはとても甘いです。

Kono hinshu no ringo wa totemo amai desu

This apple variety is very sweet.

The apple of this variety is very sweet.

• この - this
• 品種 - variety
• の - of
• りんご - Litter
• は - is
• とても - very
• 甘い - Sweet
• です - (end of sentence particle)