GrammarJLPT N5
→ but
But / However (Conjunctive)
JLPT N5ConjunctionNeutral
けれど is a conjunctive particle meaning "but" or "however" that connects two clauses to express contrast, opposition, or unexpected results. It belongs to a family of related forms: けれども (the most formal and complete form), けれど (slightly less formal), けど (casual), and が (formal/written). けれど sits in the middle of this formality spectrum, making it appropriate for polite everyday conversation — neither too stiff nor too casual. It attaches to the end of a complete clause (in either plain or polite form) and introduces a second clause that contrasts with or qualifies the first. Beyond straightforward contrast, けれど can also be used to soften a statement or provide background information before making a request, much like saying "I know this is sudden, but..." in English. This softening function is shared with が in formal contexts.
Functions
#1 Expressing contrast or opposition
Structure
Clause 1 + けれど + Clause 2
日本語は難しいけれど、おもしろいです。
Here けれど connects two contrasting ideas: the difficulty of Japanese and the enjoyment of studying it. The first clause states one fact, and the second clause presents an opposing or unexpected quality. This is the most common and fundamental use of けれど, functioning exactly like "but" or "however" in English. Notice that the first clause uses the plain form of the adjective before けれど, while the second clause ends politely — both patterns are natural.Japanese is difficult, but it is interesting.
Structures
- Clause + けれど
- Clause 1 (plain or polite form) + けれど + Clause 2
Common mistakes
A common mistake is confusing the formality levels of the けれど family: けれども is the most formal, けれど is neutral-polite, and けど is casual. Using けど in a formal essay or using けれども in casual chat with friends sounds unnatural. Another frequent error is confusing けれど with のに; while both can mean "but" or "although," のに carries a strong sense of disappointment or frustration ("even though…!"), whereas けれど is emotionally neutral. Learners also sometimes incorrectly place けれど after nouns or na-adjectives without the copula — for example, saying 「きれいけれど」 instead of the correct 「きれいだけれど」 or 「きれいですけれど」. Always ensure the clause before けれど is grammatically complete.
Related
けれどもけどが (conjunction)でもしかしのに