しかし
CONJ
(1)
[/ɕi.kɯ̥i̥/ja-JP]
however
literal
/
but
literalneutral
/
nevertheless
formal
/
nonetheless
formal
/
on the other hand
idiomatic
/
untranslatable phrase
untranslatable
(The nuances of the transitions may vary based on context which can make a direct word-for-word translation problematic.)
Used as a conjunction to introduce a statement that contrasts with or is contrary to something previously mentioned. It functions similarly to 'however', 'but', or 'nevertheless' in English, indicating a concession, opposition, or a shift in thought. While often translatable to these English equivalents, its precise nuance can sometimes vary depending on the context, making a direct one-to-one English equivalent occasionally insufficient to capture its full meaning. It can be used to connect sentences or clauses, appearing often at the beginning of a sentence.
- 天気は悪かった。しかし、私たちは出かけた。 — The weather was bad. However, we went out.
- 彼は頭がいい。しかし、時々間違いをする。 — He is smart. Nevertheless, he sometimes makes mistakes.
- 私は行きたい。しかし、お金がない。 — I want to go. But I have no money.
- この仕事は難しい。しかし、やりがいがある。 — This job is difficult. However, it is rewarding.
register: neutral