けれども

JLPT Level: N5

Meanings

but

although

even though

yet

Usage

V-ます + けれども

Adjい + けれども

Adjな + けれども

Noun + だ + けれども

Explanation

けれども is a formal or written alternative to けど and is used to contrast two clauses. It often appears in longer sentences, essays, or polite speech. It can imply a slight sense of concession or expectation, similar to “although …, …” in English. In casual speech, you’ll more commonly hear けど/が, but けれども remains common in written Japanese and carefully spoken contexts.

雨が降っているけれども、出かけます。

あめがふっているけれども、でかけます。

It's raining, but I’m going to go out.

今日は忙しいけれども、手伝います。

きょうはいそがしいけれども、てつだいます。

I’m busy today, but I’ll help.

この靴は高いけれども、買う価値がある。

このくつはたかいけれども、かうかちがある。

These shoes are expensive, but they’re worth buying.

彼は日本人だ。けれども、英語が上手だ。

かれはにほんじんだ。けれども、えいごがじょうずだ。

He is Japanese. However, his English is good.