N2204/217

しかしながら

しかしながら + [rest of sentence][_clause] しかしながら、[clause]

Meanings

  • However
  • Nevertheless
  • But

About this pattern

Explanation

しかしながら is a formal, literary-level connector meaning “however” or “nevertheless.” It signals a contrast between two statements and is stronger or more formal than しかし. It is commonly used in writing, reports, editorials, and formal speech to introduce a counterpoint or concession. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or after a pause in the previous sentence.

Learn in context

Example sentences

雨が降っていた。しかしながら、試合は予定通り始まった。

It was raining. However, the game started on schedule.

彼は一生懸命練習した。しかしながら、結果は期待外れだった。

He trained hard. Nevertheless, the results were disappointing.

今日は忙しい。しかしながら、私には手伝う責任がある。

I am busy today. However, I still have a responsibility to help.