Question
of the Week
Vol. 1
Q. What is "kedo" in Japanese sentence?
A. "Kedo" (sometimes "keredo") is a particle that follows a clause. It translates into "but."
| Kore wa chiisai desu kedo, omoi desu. これは小さいですけど、重いです。 |
This is small, but heavy. |
| Yonda kedo, wakarimasen deshita. 読んだけど、分かりませんでした。 |
I read it, but I didn't understand it. |
In many cases when "kedo" is used at the end of sentence, the original meaning "but" fades away, and it simply functions as a softener to avoid an abrupt remark.
| Yakyuu ga suki desu ka. 野球が好きですか。 |
Do you like baseball? |
| Hai, suki desu kedo. はい、好きですけど。 |
Yes, I like it. |
When making a phone call and identifying yourself, "kedo" is often used as a softener.
| Tanaka desu kedo. 田中ですけど。 |
This is Tanaka. |
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