だって

• Reading: だって
• Romaji: datte
• Pronunciation: /da.tːe/

Meaning

But; because; even; after all. A casual conjunction with multiple uses.

A versatile casual conjunction. Used to give a reason or excuse (だって忙しいんだもん — because I was busy), to mean 'even' (子供だってわかる — even a child understands), or to express mild protest. Very common in spoken Japanese, especially among younger speakers.

Examples

1. だって約束したじゃない。 But you promised, didn't you?
2. 子供だってそのくらいわかるよ。 Even a kid can understand that much.
3. 行きたくないの。だって疲れているから。 I don't want to go. Because I'm tired.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, arguments, excuses

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

Formed from the copula だ and the particle って (quotative/emphatic). Originally a contraction of だと言って (da to itte, saying that), it evolved into a standalone conjunction.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young people

Social background: Universal