Processing keyword: A。でも、～B。(A. Demo, ~B)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。でも、～B。(A. Demo, ~B)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。でも、～B。

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the use of でも (demo) as a conjunction in Japanese sentences. This grammar point is essential for expressing contrast between two statements, much like "but" or "however" in English. Understanding how to use でも will help you create more complex and nuanced sentences.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

でも (demo) is a conjunction that means "but", "however", or "even so". It is used to connect two sentences or clauses where the second statement contrasts with or is unexpected based on the first statement.

Structure

The basic structure is:

A。でも、B。

• A: First statement (Sentence/clause ending with plain or polite form + 。)
• でも: "But" / "However"
• B: Second statement that contrasts with A

Formation Diagram

[Statement A]。でも、[Statement B]。

• [Statement A]。: Complete sentence ending with a period.
• でも、: Conjunction meaning "but/however," followed by a comma.
• [Statement B]。: Contrasting statement ending with a period.

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing でも with Similar Grammar Points

• しかし (shikashi)
  • Also means "but/however"
  • More formal; often used in written language
  • Example: 雨が降っています。しかし、試合は行われます。
    It's raining. However, the game will proceed.
• けど / けれども (kedo / keredomo)
  • Casual (けど) to formal (けれども)
  • Can be used mid-sentence
  • Example: 明日は忙しいけど、時間を作ります。
    I'm busy tomorrow, but I'll make time.
• それでも (sore demo)
  • Means "even so" or "nevertheless"
  • Emphasizes that B happens despite A
  • Example: 彼は断りました。それでも、私は挑戦します。
    He refused. Even so, I'll give it a try.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 仕事は大変です。でも、やりがいがあります。
   Shigoto wa taihen desu. Demo, yarigai ga arimasu.
   My job is tough. However, it is rewarding.
2. 日本語を勉強しました。でも、まだ上手ではありません。
   Nihongo o benkyō shimashita. Demo, mada jōzu de wa arimasen.
   I have studied Japanese. But I'm still not proficient.

Informal Context

3. 彼は親切だ。でも、時々厳しい。
   Kare wa shinsetsu da. Demo, tokidoki kibishii.
   He's kind. But sometimes strict.
4. 宿題をした。でも、答えが間違っているかも。
   Shukudai o shita. Demo, kotae ga machigatte iru kamo.
   I did the homework. But the answers might be wrong.

Written Context

5. 昨日は雨だった。でも、多くの人が集まった。
   Kinō wa ame datta. Demo, ōku no hito ga atsumatta.
   It rained yesterday. However, many people gathered.

Spoken Context

6. お腹が空いた。でも、何も食べたくない。
   Onaka ga suita. Demo, nanimo tabetakunai.
   I'm hungry. But I don't want to eat anything.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• でも is widely used in everyday conversations in Japan.
• It reflects the Japanese communication style of acknowledging facts before presenting a contrasting point.
• Understanding nuances in words like でも helps in grasping the subtlety of Japanese politeness levels.

Levels of Politeness

• でも is neutral and appropriate in both casual and formal settings.
• Choosing between でも, しかし, and けど depends on the formality and the context of the conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions Using でも

• 誰でも (dare demo): "Anyone"
• 何でも (nan demo): "Anything"
• いつでも (itsu demo): "Anytime"
• In these cases, でも means "any" and is attached to question words. Example: 何でも聞いてください。
  Nan demo kiite kudasai.
  Please feel free to ask anything.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Placement Incorrect: でも私は映画を見ます。
  But I will watch a movie. Correct: 私は映画を見ます。でも、宿題もあります。
  I will watch a movie. But I also have homework. Explanation: でも should connect two full sentences expressing contrasting ideas.
• Using でも Mid-Sentence Incorrect: 忙しいでも行きます。 Correct: 忙しいです。でも、行きます。
  I'm busy. But I will go. Explanation: でも is placed at the beginning of the second sentence.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Contrasts: Write pairs of sentences that naturally contrast, and connect them using でも.
• Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers using でも and repeat the sentences to get a feel for natural usage.
• Create Flashcards: Make flashcards with example sentences to reinforce memory.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• でも (demo) means "but" or "however" and is used to connect two contrasting statements.
• It is neutral in formality and suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
• Correct placement is crucial: でも comes at the beginning of the second sentence.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of でも in a sentence?
2. Choose the correct sentence: a) 私は行きますでも、彼は行きません。
   b) 私は行きます。でも、彼は行きません。
3. True or False: でも can be used mid-sentence to connect two clauses.

Answers

1. To connect two sentences or clauses expressing contrasting ideas, meaning "but" or "however."
2. b) 私は行きます。でも、彼は行きません。
3. False. でも is used at the beginning of the second sentence, not mid-sentence.