A1 conjunction Neutral #700 most common 1 min read

〜けれど

~keredo /keɾedo/
Practice it

It is a versatile, conversational conjunction used to express contrast with a mild, polite tone.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to connect two contrasting ideas in a sentence.
  • Functions as a softer, more conversational version of 'ga'.
  • Can also be used at the end of a sentence.

Overview

  1. 1概要：「〜けれど」は、日本語学習者が最初に出会う逆接の表現の一つです。文と文をつなぐ接続詞としての役割と、文末に置いて文章を完結させる役割の両方を持っています。2) 使用パターン：名詞や形容詞、動詞の普通形に接続します。例：「雨が降ったけれど、出かけた」「忙しいけれど、楽しい」。3) よくある文脈：日常会話で非常に頻繁に使われます。相手に対して意見を言う際に、少し柔らかい響きを与えるため、断定を避けるクッション言葉としても機能します。4) 似た言葉との比較：「〜が」はより一般的でフォーマルな場面でも使えますが、「〜けれど」は口語的で少し柔らかい印象を与えます。「〜けど」はその短縮形で、さらに親しい友人同士の会話で多用されます。

Examples

1

明日は休みだけれど、予定があります。

everyday

I have a day off tomorrow, but I have plans.

2

少し高いですけれど、買います。

formal

It is a bit expensive, but I will buy it.

3

おいしいけど、ちょっと辛いね。

informal

It's delicious, but a bit spicy.

4

その理論は興味深いですけれど、課題も残っています。

academic

The theory is interesting, but it still has issues.

Common Collocations

〜ですけれど It is... but
〜ましたけれど I did... but
〜かったですけれど It was... but

Common Phrases

そうですけれど

That is true, but...

すみません、あの…

Excuse me, but...

Often Confused With

〜けれど vs 〜が

Ga is more formal and can be used in writing. Keredo is softer and more common in spoken language.

Grammar Patterns

普通形 + けれど 名詞 + だ + けれど な形容詞 + だ + けれど

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Keredo is a versatile conjunction used primarily in speech. It is considered slightly more informal than 'ga' but more formal than the shortened 'kedo'. Use it to connect clauses or to soften the end of a sentence.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often use it to start every sentence when connecting thoughts, which can sound repetitive. It should be used to contrast, not just to link related facts. Avoid using it in formal business documents.

Tips

💡

Use it as a soft buffer

When you want to say no or disagree, starting with '〜けれど' makes your tone much softer and more polite.

⚠️

Avoid in formal writing

In official reports or academic essays, prefer using '〜が' or '〜しかし' to maintain a professional tone.

🌍

The importance of indirectness

Japanese culture values indirect communication. Ending a sentence with '〜けれど' allows you to leave room for the listener's interpretation.

Word Origin

Derived from the classical Japanese 'keredomo', which evolved into the modern 'keredo' and 'kedo'. It historically functioned as a conjunctive particle indicating concession.

Cultural Context

Japanese communication often relies on 'reading the air' (kuuki wo yomu). Using 'keredo' helps maintain harmony by not being too direct or assertive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Keredo' as 'Care-do'. You 'care' enough about the listener's feelings that you 'do' soften your contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「〜けど」は「〜けれど」の口語的な短縮形です。友達との会話など、カジュアルな場面では「〜けど」がよく使われます。

はい、使えます。二つの文をつなぐ接続助詞として機能します。

「〜けれど」自体は中立的ですが、文末を「〜ですけれど」とすることで丁寧な表現になります。

基本的には「〜ですが」を使うのが無難です。目上の人に対しては「〜ですが」の方が適しています。

Test Yourself

fill blank

今日は忙しい___、また今度誘ってください。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: けれど

前後の文が逆の内容（忙しい vs 今度）なので、逆接の「けれど」が適切です。

Score: /1

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

그러나 Korean 可是 Chinese
Explore Word Network (5)

Related Vocabulary

しかし

however, but

 けど

But; however; although.

 けれども

But, although.

More communication words

について

A2

about; concerning

宛先

B1

The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.

番地

A2

House number

賛同

B1

Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.

~も

A2

Too, also.

〜そして

A1

And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).

たり

A2

Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').

〜や

A2

And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).

お知らせ

B1

Notice; an announcement or communication.

答え

A2

A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.

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