だが

• Reading: だが
• Romaji: daga
• Pronunciation: /da.ɡa/

Meaning

But; however; nevertheless. A conjunction expressing contrast or opposition.

A formal conjunction used at the start of a sentence to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea. More literary and masculine-sounding than でも or けど. Common in writing, news reports, and formal speech. Rarely used in casual conversation.

Examples

1. 準備は整っている。だが、油断はできない。 Everything is ready. However, we can't let our guard down.
2. 彼の説明は論理的だった。だが、納得できなかった。 His explanation was logical. However, I wasn't convinced.
3. 天気予報は晴れだった。だが、突然雨が降り出した。 The forecast said it would be sunny. However, it suddenly started raining.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, news, formal speech

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Formed from the copula だ and the particle が (but). The contrastive meaning evolved from が marking an unexpected continuation or reversal.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal