Processing keyword: ～けれど、～ (〜keredo、～)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～けれど、～ (〜keredo、～)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～けれど、～ (〜keredo、～) is a conjunction used in Japanese to connect two clauses with contrasting or opposing information. It is equivalent to "but," "although," or "though" in English. This conjunction helps express contrast, concession, or unexpected outcomes between two statements.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～けれど、～ is used to:

• Express contrast: Indicating that the second clause contrasts with the first.
• Show concession: Acknowledging the first clause but presenting an opposing view or unexpected result in the second.

Structure

The basic structure is:

1. [Clause A] + けれど、[Clause B]

Formation

Depending on the type of word preceding けれど, the formation slightly changes.

Formation Table

Preceding Word Type	Formation	Example
Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb + けれど	行くけれど (iku keredo)
い-Adjective	Adjective + けれど	高いけれど (takai keredo)
な-Adjective	Adjective + だ + けれど	静かだけれど (shizuka da keredo)
Noun	Noun + だ + けれど	学生だけれど (gakusei da keredo)
Note: For な-adjectives and nouns, the copula だ is inserted before けれど.

Visual Aid: Formation Diagram

[Clause A] + けれど、[Clause B]

• Clause A: Statement or situation.
• けれど: Conjunction meaning "but" or "although."
• Clause B: Contrasting statement or unexpected outcome.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

けれど vs. が

• けれど and が both mean "but."
• が is more formal and often used in written language.
• けれど is slightly less formal and more common in spoken language.

けれど vs. でも

• でも is used at the beginning of a sentence to express "but."
• けれど connects two clauses within the same sentence. Example:
• でも、行きます。 (Demo, ikimasu.) - "But, I will go."
• 行きたいけれど、忙しいです。 (Ikitai keredo, isogashii desu.) - "I want to go, but I'm busy."

けれど vs. しかし

• しかし is more formal and often used in written or formal speech.
• けれど is more versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. この製品は高価ですけれど、品質は非常に良いです。
   • Kono seihin wa kouka desu keredo, hinshitsu wa hijou ni yoi desu.
   • This product is expensive, but the quality is very good.
2. 努力しましたけれど、結果は変わりませんでした。
   • Doryoku shimashita keredo, kekka wa kawarimasen deshita.
   • I made an effort, but the result did not change.

Informal Conversation

1. 雨が降ってるけど、出かけるの？
   • Ame ga futteru kedo, dekakeru no?
   • It's raining, but are you going out?
2. 宿題したけど、忘れちゃった。
   • Shukudai shita kedo, wasurechatta.
   • I did my homework, but I forgot it.

Written Context

1. 彼は優秀なエンジニアだけれど、コミュニケーションが苦手です。
   • Kare wa yuushuu na enjinia da keredo, komyunikēshon ga nigate desu.
   • He is an excellent engineer, but he is poor at communication.
2. 試験に合格したけれど、喜びはしませんでした。
   • Shiken ni goukaku shita keredo, yorokobi wa shimasen deshita.
   • I passed the exam, but I didn't feel happy.

Expressing Unexpected Outcomes

1. 早く寝たけれど、まだ眠いです。
   • Hayaku neta keredo, mada nemui desu.
   • I went to bed early, but I'm still sleepy.
2. たくさん練習したけれど、試合で負けました。
   • Takusan renshuu shita keredo, shiai de makemashita.
   • I practiced a lot, but I lost the match.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• けれども: A more polite or formal version of けれど.
• けど: A casual version used in informal speech among friends or family. Example:
• 明日は忙しいけど、手伝うよ。 (Informal)
• 明日は忙しいけれども、手伝います。 (Formal)

Usage in Japanese Culture

• Using appropriate levels of politeness is crucial in Japanese communication.
• Opting for けれども over けれど can show respect in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• すみませんけれど: "Excuse me, but..."
  • Used to politely preface a request or ask for assistance. Example:
• すみませんけれど、お手洗いはどこですか。
  • Sumimasen keredo, otearai wa doko desu ka.
  • Excuse me, but where is the restroom?

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting the Copula "だ" with Nouns and な-Adjectives
   • Incorrect: 学生けれど、時間がない。
   • Correct: 学生だけれど、時間がない。 Always include "だ" before けれど when connecting nouns and な-adjectives.
2. Using the Wrong Form for Politeness Level
   • Using けど in formal writing where けれど or けれども is appropriate.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Copula "だ": For nouns and な-adjectives, think "Noun/な-Adjective + だ + けれど."
• Politeness Matching: Match けど, けれど, or けれども with the appropriate politeness level of your speech.
• Practice with Examples: Create your own sentences using different verbs, adjectives, and nouns to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～けれど、～ connects two clauses with contrasting information.
• The conjunction changes formality levels: けど (casual), けれど (polite), けれども (formal).
• Include だ before けれど when it follows a noun or な-adjective.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you say "I want to buy it, but I have no money" in Japanese? Answer: 買いたいけれど、お金がありません。

   Kaitai keredo, okane ga arimasen.

2. Question: Which form is more casual, けど or けれども? Answer: けど is more casual.

3. Question: What must you remember to include when using けれど after a な-adjective or noun? Answer: Include the copula だ before けれど.

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By understanding and practicing ～けれど、～, you can effectively express contrast and enrich your Japanese communication skills.

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