B1 noun Neutral #500 most common 1 min read

〜しかし

/ɕikaɕi/
Practice it

Use 'shikashi' to signal a shift in thought or an opposing viewpoint.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea.
  • Functions as a standard conjunction at the start of sentences.
  • Appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

Overview

  1. 1概要：「しかし」は、日本語で最も一般的に使われる逆接の接続詞です。前の文で述べたことに対して、後ろの文で反対の内容や否定的な結果を提示する際に用いられます。2) 使用パターン：文の冒頭に置かれ、読者や聞き手に対して「ここから話の流れが変わります」というサインを送ります。「A。しかし、B。」という構成が基本です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話からビジネス、論文まで幅広く使われます。ただし、非常に硬い文章では「しかしながら」や「だが」などが選ばれることもあります。4) 類語との比較：「でも」は口語的で親しい間柄で使われ、「が」は文中で接続助詞として使われます。「しかし」はこれらの中間に位置する、最も標準的で使いやすい言葉です。

Examples

1

今日は天気がいい。しかし、風は冷たい。

everyday

The weather is nice today. However, the wind is cold.

2

計画は完璧だった。しかしながら、予期せぬ問題が発生した。

formal

The plan was perfect. However, unexpected problems occurred.

Common Collocations

しかしながら However (formal)
しかしまた But also

Common Phrases

しかし、それは難しい。

However, that is difficult.

しかし、そうとは限らない。

However, that is not necessarily the case.

Often Confused With

〜しかし vs でも

Informal version of 'shikashi'. Use it only with friends or family.

〜しかし vs が

Used as a particle to connect clauses within a single sentence, not as a standalone conjunction.

Grammar Patterns

A。しかし、B。 A。しかしながら、B。

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Shikashi is a neutral-to-formal conjunction. It is safe to use in almost any writing context. In casual speech, native speakers often prefer 'demo' instead.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often try to put 'shikashi' in the middle of a sentence like 'English'. Remember that in Japanese, it must start a new sentence.

Tips

💡

Use it to signal logical contrast

Place 'shikashi' at the beginning of a sentence to clearly mark a change in perspective. It helps the listener prepare for an opposing idea.

⚠️

Avoid overusing in a single paragraph

Repeating 'shikashi' too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Try using synonyms like 'ところが' or 'ですが' to vary your style.

🌍

Politeness in Japanese discourse

In Japanese culture, directly contradicting someone can be seen as blunt. Using 'shikashi' after a polite acknowledgment helps soften the impact.

Word Origin

Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'shikaru' (to be so) + the conjunctive form 'shi'. It evolved to mean 'that being the case, but...'.

Cultural Context

Japanese communication often values indirectness. Using 'shikashi' allows the speaker to present a counter-argument without sounding overly aggressive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'shikashi' as a 'she-can-see' (shikashi) the other side of the argument. It helps you pivot to the contrasting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「でも」は会話で使われる口語的な表現です。「しかし」は書き言葉やフォーマルな場面でも使える標準的な言葉です。

「しかし」は通常、文の冒頭で使います。文の途中で逆接を表す場合は「が」や「けれど」を使うのが自然です。

「しかしながら」は「しかし」よりも丁寧で硬い表現です。ビジネスのメールや公的な文書でよく使われます。

日本語の品詞分類では接続詞に分類されます。文と文をつなぐ役割を果たします。

Test Yourself

fill blank

彼は一生懸命勉強した。___、試験には落ちてしまった。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: しかし

前後の文が逆の内容（努力した vs 落ちた）であるため、逆接の「しかし」が適切です。

Score: /1

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