When used at the beginning of a sentence, しかし (shikashi) means 'however' or 'but'. It's often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to change the topic. Think of it as a way to say, 'On the other hand...' or 'That being said...'. It's a useful word for connecting sentences and making your Japanese sound more natural. While similar to でも (demo), しかし often carries a slightly stronger sense of contrast or disagreement.
§ Understanding しかし
- Definition
- However, but. Often used to introduce a contrasting or contradictory statement.
The Japanese word しかし (shikashi) is a versatile conjunction that you'll hear and use frequently. It means "however" or "but" and serves to connect two clauses or sentences where the second part introduces a contrast, a contradiction, or a different perspective to the first part.
§ しかし in Daily Life and Work
You'll encounter しかし in many everyday situations, especially when people are explaining things, making decisions, or discussing different options. It's crucial for expressing nuanced thoughts.
At work, for instance, you might hear it during meetings or presentations:
このプロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。しかし、予算が少し足りません。
- Translation Hint
- This project is progressing well. However, the budget is a bit short.
Or:
新しいシステムは便利です。しかし、操作が複雑な部分もあります。
- Translation Hint
- The new system is convenient. However, there are also some complicated parts to operate.
§ しかし in School and Academics
In academic settings, しかし is very common in lectures, textbooks, and essays. It helps to introduce counter-arguments, exceptions, or alternative viewpoints.
For example, in a history class:
この理論は広く受け入れられています。しかし、いくつかの問題点も指摘されています。
- Translation Hint
- This theory is widely accepted. However, several problems have also been pointed out.
Or in a science report:
実験結果は予想通りでした。しかし、再現性には課題があります。
- Translation Hint
- The experimental results were as expected. However, there are challenges with reproducibility.
§ しかし in News and Media
News reports, articles, and documentaries frequently use しかし to present a balanced view, introduce new information, or transition between related but contrasting ideas.
Consider a news headline or a report:
景気は回復傾向にあります。しかし、一部の地域ではまだ厳しい状況が続いています。
- Translation Hint
- The economy is showing signs of recovery. However, some regions are still facing difficult conditions.
Or in a feature article:
新しい政策は期待されています。しかし、その効果には疑問の声もあります。
- Translation Hint
- The new policy is anticipated. However, there are also voices questioning its effectiveness.
§ Key Takeaways for しかし
- It's a formal way to say "however" or "but."
- Used to introduce a contrast, contradiction, or different perspective.
- Common in work, school, and news settings.
By understanding how しかし is used in these practical contexts, you'll not only improve your comprehension but also make your own Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.
난이도
Common kanji, simple to read.
Easy to write, no complex strokes.
Straightforward pronunciation.
Clearly distinguishable in spoken Japanese.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
수준별 예문
これはいいですが、しかし値段が高すぎます。
This is good, but the price is too high.
「しかし」can connect two independent clauses, often expressing a contrast or opposition. It's more formal than 「でも」.
彼は努力しましたが、しかし失敗してしまいました。
He tried hard, but he failed.
Here, 「しかし」 introduces a contrasting outcome despite the effort made.
彼女は病気でしたが、しかし学校に行きました。
She was sick, but she went to school.
This shows an action taken in spite of a condition.
この本は面白いです。しかし、少し長すぎます。
This book is interesting. However, it's a bit too long.
「しかし」 can also be used at the beginning of a new sentence to introduce a contrasting idea to the previous one.
私たちはたくさん準備しましたが、しかし時間が足りませんでした。
We prepared a lot, but we didn't have enough time.
It indicates an unexpected difficulty or limitation despite preparation.
彼は賢いですが、しかし少し不器用です。
He is smart, but he is a bit clumsy.
Contrasting two characteristics of the same subject.
そのレストランは美味しいです。しかし、いつも混んでいます。
That restaurant is delicious. However, it's always crowded.
「しかし」 is used to present a downside or inconvenience related to something positive.
雨が降っていましたが、しかし私たちは出かけました。
It was raining, but we went out.
Expresses an action performed despite adverse weather conditions.
昨日まで晴れていましたが、しかし今日は雨が降っています。
It was sunny until yesterday, however, it's raining today.
Using 〜しかし at the beginning of a clause to introduce a contrasting idea.
この本は面白いです。しかし、少し長すぎます。
This book is interesting. However, it's a bit too long.
〜しかし used to express a reservation after a positive statement.
彼は一生懸命勉強しました。しかし、試験に合格しませんでした。
He studied very hard. However, he didn't pass the exam.
〜しかし connecting two sentences where the second sentence presents an unexpected outcome.
このレストランは美味しいです。しかし、値段が高いです。
This restaurant is delicious. However, the prices are high.
〜しかし used to highlight a negative aspect after a positive one.
彼女は忙しいです。しかし、いつも笑顔です。
She is busy. However, she is always smiling.
〜しかし showing a contrast between a challenging situation and a positive attitude.
このパソコンは古いですが、しかしよく動きます。
This computer is old, however, it works well.
〜しかし emphasizing the contrast between the age of the computer and its functionality.
彼は経験がありません。しかし、やる気があります。
He has no experience. However, he is motivated.
〜しかし used to present a positive attribute despite a lack of experience.
計画は完璧でした。しかし、予期せぬ問題が発生しました。
The plan was perfect. However, unexpected problems occurred.
〜しかし introducing an unforeseen complication despite meticulous planning.
これは良いアイデアだ。しかし、実行は難しいだろう。
This is a good idea. However, its execution will be difficult.
Using 〜しかし to introduce a contrasting idea after a positive statement.
彼はいつも自信がある。しかし、今回は少し不安そうだ。
He is always confident. But this time, he seems a little anxious.
〜しかし used to show a contrast in someone's usual state.
その計画は完璧に見えた。しかし、予期せぬ問題が発生した。
The plan looked perfect. However, unexpected problems occurred.
〜しかし indicating an unforeseen issue despite initial positive appearance.
多くの人が反対した。しかし、彼女は自分の意見を曲げなかった。
Many people opposed it. However, she didn't change her mind.
〜しかし used to highlight persistence despite opposition.
彼は努力した。しかし、結果は思わしくなかった。
He made an effort. But the results were not favorable.
〜しかし contrasting effort with unsatisfactory outcome.
彼女は忙しい。しかし、いつも笑顔を絶やさない。
She is busy. However, she always keeps smiling.
〜しかし expressing a contrasting behavior despite a difficult situation.
その本は面白い。しかし、少し読みにくい部分もある。
That book is interesting. But there are some parts that are a bit difficult to read.
〜しかし used to point out a slight negative aspect of something generally positive.
私たちは最善を尽くした。しかし、間に合わなかった。
We did our best. However, we didn't make it in time.
〜しかし indicating a negative outcome despite maximum effort.
문법 패턴
문장 패턴
[Sentence 1]. しかし、[Sentence 2].
私は学生です。しかし、忙しいです。 (I am a student. However, I am busy.)
[Idea 1]. しかし、[contrasting idea 2].
この本は面白いです。しかし、少し難しいです。 (This book is interesting. However, it's a little difficult.)
[Statement of fact 1]. しかし、[unexpected outcome/situation 2].
彼は日本語を勉強しました。しかし、話せません。 (He studied Japanese. However, he can't speak it.)
[Positive point]. しかし、[negative point].
このレストランは美味しいです。しかし、高いです。 (This restaurant is delicious. However, it's expensive.)
[General statement]. しかし、[specific exception].
日本の夏は暑いです。しかし、北海道は涼しいです。 (Japanese summers are hot. However, Hokkaido is cool.)
[Initial plan/thought]. しかし、[change in plan/thought].
映画を見に行きたかった。しかし、仕事があった。 (I wanted to go see a movie. However, I had work.)
[Problem/difficulty]. しかし、[solution/overcoming it].
道に迷いました。しかし、地図で解決しました。 (I got lost. However, I solved it with a map.)
[Opinion 1]. しかし、[different opinion 2].
彼は正しいと思います。しかし、友達は違う意見です。 (I think he is right. However, my friend has a different opinion.)
팁
Basic Usage of しかし
「しかし」is a conjunction that means 'however' or 'but'. It's used to introduce a contrasting idea or information that goes against what was previously stated. Think of it as a way to say, 'On the other hand...' or 'Despite that...'. It connects two sentences or clauses.
Placement in a Sentence
「しかし」usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or a clause to signal a change in thought. It acts as a bridge between two distinct statements.
More Formal than でも
While「しかし」and 「でも」both mean 'but' or 'however',「しかし」is generally considered more formal and is often used in written Japanese or more polite speech. 「でも」is more common in casual conversation.
No Particle Needed
Unlike some other conjunctions,「しかし」does not require a particle after it. It stands alone at the beginning of the sentence or clause.
Use for Stronger Contrast
Use「しかし」when you want to express a stronger contrast or contradiction compared to「でも」. It can imply a more significant shift in information.
Can Connect Independent Sentences
「しかし」is often used to connect two independent sentences, where the second sentence presents a counterpoint to the first. For example, 'The weather was nice. However, I stayed home.'
Common in News and Articles
You'll frequently encounter「しかし」in news articles, formal reports, and academic writing due to its more formal nature. This is a good place to see it in action.
Example: Negative Consequence
彼は一生懸命勉強しました。しかし、試験に落ちてしまいました。(He studied very hard. However, he failed the exam.) This shows a negative outcome despite effort.
Example: Unexpected Information
この本は高いです。しかし、とても面白いです。(This book is expensive. But, it's very interesting.) Here,「しかし」introduces an unexpected positive quality.
Example: Different Point of View
彼女は忙しいと言いました。しかし、私は彼女が時間を見つけられると思います。(She said she was busy. However, I think she can find time.) This highlights a differing opinion or belief.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'shikashi' as 'she cuts (shika-shi) off the previous idea with a 'but' or 'however'.
시각적 연상
Imagine a seesaw. One side is the first statement, and then 'shikashi' comes in and tips the seesaw to the other side, introducing the contrasting idea.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to write three sentences in Japanese using 'しかし'. First, write a simple statement, then add 'しかし' and introduce a contrasting idea.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문「しかし」and 「でも」both mean 'but' or 'however', but they have slightly different nuances. しかし is a bit more formal and is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or a shift in topic. でも is more casual and is generally used to introduce a contradiction or an objection.
Yes, you absolutely can. Using しかし at the beginning of a sentence is a common way to introduce a contrasting point or a new idea that goes against what was just said. For example, 「しかし、それは難しい問題です。」 (However, that is a difficult problem.)
Yes, there are a few. Besides しかし and でも, you might also hear 「けれども」 (keredomo) and 「だが」 (daga). けれども is a bit softer and can be used to link sentences or clauses. だが is more direct and sometimes has a slightly masculine or older feel.
Not always, but it's very common, especially when it starts a sentence and introduces a clear contrast. It helps to separate the contrasting idea from the previous thought. However, it's not a strict grammatical rule.
Yes, しかし can definitely be used to express a strong contradiction. It effectively signals to the listener or reader that what's coming next will go against expectations or previously stated information. For instance, 「彼は天才だ。しかし、努力はしない。」 (He is a genius. However, he doesn't make an effort.)
しかし is used in both, but you'll probably encounter it more frequently in written Japanese, especially in formal writing or academic texts. In casual spoken Japanese, でも is often preferred due to its more relaxed tone.
Not inherently. しかし simply introduces a contrast. The connotation (positive or negative) depends entirely on the content of the sentences it connects. It can introduce a problem, but it can also introduce a solution or an alternative perspective.
If you want to sound more polite or softer, you might consider using 「けれども」 (keredomo) instead of しかし, or adding a polite ending to the sentence that follows しかし. しかし itself is fairly neutral in terms of politeness, but its directness can sometimes feel a little strong in very polite contexts.
While it's more common to see しかし at the beginning of a sentence or a clause, it can sometimes appear in the middle to introduce a contrasting idea within a longer sentence. However, this is less frequent than its use at the beginning.
A good way to practice is to try writing sentences where you present an idea, and then immediately introduce a contrasting idea using しかし. For example, 'I wanted to go out, しかし, it was raining.' (出かけたかった。しかし、雨が降っていた。) Also, pay attention to how native speakers use it in books, articles, and even TV shows.
셀프 테스트 24 질문
Write a short sentence using 「しかし」 to connect two contrasting ideas. For example, 'The weather is good, but it's cold.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このケーキはおいしいです。しかし、少し高いです。 (This cake is delicious. However, it's a little expensive.)
You want to go to a party, but you have homework. Write a sentence expressing this using 「しかし」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
パーティーに行きたいです。しかし、宿題があります。 (I want to go to the party. However, I have homework.)
Your friend invited you to eat, but you've already eaten. Write a sentence using 「しかし」 to explain this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達とご飯を食べたいです。しかし、もう食べました。 (I want to eat with my friend. However, I already ate.)
What is the speaker doing today?
Read this passage:
今日は日曜日です。しかし、仕事があります。 (Today is Sunday. However, I have work.)
What is the speaker doing today?
The passage states 'しかし、仕事があります' which means 'However, I have work.'
The passage states 'しかし、仕事があります' which means 'However, I have work.'
What is the speaker's opinion about the book?
Read this passage:
この本は面白いです。しかし、少し難しいです。 (This book is interesting. However, it's a little difficult.)
What is the speaker's opinion about the book?
The passage says '面白いです' (it's interesting) and '少し難しいです' (a little difficult), connected by 'しかし' (however).
The passage says '面白いです' (it's interesting) and '少し難しいです' (a little difficult), connected by 'しかし' (however).
What is one negative aspect of the restaurant?
Read this passage:
このレストランは美味しいです。しかし、値段が高いです。 (This restaurant is delicious. However, the prices are high.)
What is one negative aspect of the restaurant?
The passage states 'しかし、値段が高いです' which translates to 'However, the prices are high.'
The passage states 'しかし、値段が高いです' which translates to 'However, the prices are high.'
このレストランの料理はおいしいです。___、少し高いです。
「しかし」は前の文と逆の内容を述べるときに使います。
彼は毎日日本語を勉強しています。___、まだ話すのは苦手です。
「しかし」は前の文の内容に反する内容を続けるときに使います。
この映画はとても面白いです。___、少し長いです。
「しかし」は、期待と異なる結果や反対の事実を述べるときに使います。
彼女はとても努力家です。___、なかなか結果が出ません。
「しかし」は、前の内容とは対照的な内容を導入するときに使います。
今日の天気は晴れです。___、風が強いです。
「しかし」は、先行する事実とは異なる側面を強調するときに使います。
この本は難しいです。___、読む価値があります。
「しかし」は、困難な状況の中にも良い点があることを示すときに使います。
You want to go out, however, it's raining. Write a Japanese sentence expressing this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
出かけたい。しかし、雨が降っている。
You studied hard for the test, but the results weren't good. Write a Japanese sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
よく勉強した。しかし、結果は良くなかった。
The food was delicious. However, it was a little expensive. Write a Japanese sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
料理はおいしかった。しかし、少し高かった。
この人は日本語についてどう思っていますか？
Read this passage:
日本語は面白いです。しかし、少し難しいです。毎日勉強していますから、だんだん上手になると思います。
この人は日本語についてどう思っていますか？
文章に「日本語は面白いです。しかし、少し難しいです。」とあります。
文章に「日本語は面白いです。しかし、少し難しいです。」とあります。
筆者はこの本を読みましたか？
Read this passage:
この本はとても有名です。しかし、私はまだ読んでいません。時間ができたら読みたいです。
筆者はこの本を読みましたか？
文章に「しかし、私はまだ読んでいません。」とあります。
文章に「しかし、私はまだ読んでいません。」とあります。
筆者は新しいパソコンについて困っていることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
新しいパソコンを買いました。しかし、使い方がよくわかりません。誰かに教えてもらいたいです。
筆者は新しいパソコンについて困っていることは何ですか？
文章に「しかし、使い方がよくわかりません。」とあります。
文章に「しかし、使い方がよくわかりません。」とあります。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼はいつも真面目に勉強する。___、テストの成績はあまり良くない。
The first sentence states he always studies seriously, and the second sentence states his test scores are not very good. 'しかし' (however) fits perfectly to show the contrast between his effort and results.
Select the correct word to connect these two sentences: 外は雨が降っている。___、傘を持っていくのを忘れた。
The first part says it's raining outside, and the second part says I forgot to bring an umbrella. 'しかし' (however) is used to express a contradictory or unexpected outcome.
Which word best completes the sentence? このレストランは値段が高い。___、料理はとても美味しい。
The sentence indicates that the restaurant is expensive, but the food is very delicious. 'しかし' (however) is used to introduce a contrasting positive point after a negative one.
「彼は日本語が少し話せる。しかし、英語は全く話せない。」This sentence means 'He can speak a little Japanese, and he can't speak English at all.'
The sentence correctly states that he can speak some Japanese, but he cannot speak English at all, using 'しかし' to connect the two contrasting facts.
「この仕事は大変だ。しかし、やりがいがある。」This sentence implies that the job is easy but rewarding.
The sentence states 'This job is tough. However, it's rewarding.' '大変だ' means difficult or tough, not easy. 'しかし' introduces a contrasting positive aspect.
Using 「しかし」 always introduces a cause-and-effect relationship.
「しかし」 introduces a contrast or a contradictory statement, not a cause-and-effect relationship. Words like 「だから」 or 「なので」 introduce cause-and-effect.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Usage of しかし
「しかし」is a conjunction that means 'however' or 'but'. It's used to introduce a contrasting idea or information that goes against what was previously stated. Think of it as a way to say, 'On the other hand...' or 'Despite that...'. It connects two sentences or clauses.
Placement in a Sentence
「しかし」usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or a clause to signal a change in thought. It acts as a bridge between two distinct statements.
More Formal than でも
While「しかし」and 「でも」both mean 'but' or 'however',「しかし」is generally considered more formal and is often used in written Japanese or more polite speech. 「でも」is more common in casual conversation.
No Particle Needed
Unlike some other conjunctions,「しかし」does not require a particle after it. It stands alone at the beginning of the sentence or clause.
관련 콘텐츠
health 관련 단어
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
