但し・ただし

• Reading: ただし
• Romaji: tadashi
• Formation: Statement。ただし、Condition / Exception
• Kanji breakdown: 但 (however, provided that)

Meaning

A conjunction meaning 'however' or 'provided that,' used to introduce a condition, restriction, proviso, or exception to a preceding statement. It narrows or qualifies what has just been said.

ただし functions as a formal conjunction that introduces limitations, exceptions, or conditions to a general statement. Unlike しかし, which presents a broad contrast or contradiction, ただし specifically adds a qualifying condition or caveat — it does not reverse the preceding statement but rather refines it. It is the standard conjunction for provisos in legal documents, contracts, official notices, academic papers, and rules. The pattern is typically: general statement + ただし + condition/exception. It can also appear at the start of a new sentence. While it exists in spoken Japanese, it sounds deliberate and formal in conversation, where でも or ただ would be more natural for casual restrictions. In writing, it is indispensable for precise, unambiguous qualification.

Examples

1. 本イベントは無料でご参加いただけます。ただし、事前予約が必要です。 This event is free to attend. However, advance registration is required.
2. 全社員に在宅勤務が認められている。ただし、月に一度は出社しなければならない。 All employees are permitted to work from home. However, they must come to the office at least once a month.
3. 論文の提出期限は今月末とする。ただし、特別な事情がある場合は延長を認める。 The deadline for thesis submission is the end of this month. However, extensions will be granted in cases of special circumstances.

Usage Guide

Context: written, legal, academic

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 当施設の利用は会員に限ります。ただし、会員の同伴者一名までは入場を許可します。
• 試験中の辞書使用は認める。ただし、電子辞書は不可とする。
• 返品は購入後三十日以内であれば受け付けます。ただし、開封済みの商品は対象外です。

Don't Say

• ただし、今日は暑いですね。(Using ただし as a topic changer or casual transition — ただし specifically introduces a condition or exception to a preceding statement) → ところで、今日は暑いですね。
• この店は美味しい。ただし安い。(Using ただし to add supporting information rather than a restriction — ただし must introduce a limitation, not additional positive details) → この店は美味しい。しかも安い。

Origin & History

ただし derives from the adverb ただ (merely, only) combined with the particle し, forming a conjunctive expression meaning 'but only.' The kanji 但 specifically means 'however' or 'provided that' and is used extensively in legal and official Japanese, reflecting Chinese classical legal writing conventions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal