# しかし: but; however > Learn how to use しかし, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning but; however, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-shikashi/ **しかし** means **but; however**. It is a **JLPT N5** Japanese grammar pattern used to connect contrasting ideas, often in writing or formal speech. This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to connect contrasting ideas, often in writing or formal speech, **しかし** is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences. ## What does しかし mean? Use **しかし** when you want to connect contrasting ideas, often in writing or formal speech. Natural translations include: - but - however - but; however The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form しかし Sentence. + しかし + sentence. Examples of the pattern: - しかし、行きません - しかし、高いです - しかし、問題があります Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is しかし used? Use **しかし** in situations like: - formal contrast - essays and explanations - changing direction in a statement Tone and register: - formal or written compared with でも - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions ## しかし example sentences

行いきたいです。しかし、時間じかんがありません。

I want to go. However, I do not have time.

formal contrast

この本ほんは高たかいです。しかし、とても役やくに立たちます。

This book is expensive. However, it is very useful.

formal contrast

雨あめが降ふっています。しかし、試合しあいはあります。

It is raining. However, the game will happen.

formal contrast

日本語にほんごは難むずかしいです。しかし、面白おもしろいです。

Japanese is difficult. However, it is interesting.

formal contrast

彼かれは若わかいです。しかし、経験けいけんがあります。

He is young. However, he has experience.

formal contrast

Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation. ## Nuance of しかし The key nuance is **a clear contrast with a somewhat formal sound**. This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For **しかし**, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context. For example: - In conversation, it helps the listener understand a clear contrast with a somewhat formal sound. - Compared with **でも**, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close. ## しかし vs でも Both **しかし** and **でも** can express related ideas, but they are different.

しかし

More formal or written; often starts a contrasting sentence.

行いきたいです。しかし、時間じかんがありません。

I want to go. However, I have no time.

でも

More casual and conversational; common in daily speech.

行いきたいです。でも、時間じかんがありません。

I want to go, but I have no time.

If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation. ## Common mistakes with しかし

❌

Overusing しかし in casual conversation with friends.

✅

Use でも in casual conversation instead.

❌

Putting しかし where no real contrast exists.

✅

Only use しかし when there is a clear contrast between two ideas.

❌

Confusing しかし with そして, which adds information.

✅

Use そして to add information, not しかし.

A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is しかし on the JLPT?

Yes. しかし is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

Recognize it in reading

Understand its nuance in context

Use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together. ## Practice questions for しかし

Connect “I want to go” and “I have no time.”

contrast

Say Japanese is difficult but interesting.

contrast

Use しかし in a formal contrast.

formal

Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for しかし Use **しかし** as part of your **JLPT N5** reason, contrast, and connector grammar toolkit. Focus on how the two clauses are connected: reason, result, contrast, sequence, or addition. N5 connector grammar becomes easier when you name the relationship before choosing an English translation.

Make one short sentence with しかし using a clear contrast.

Compare it with けど.

Add けれども or でも to see how the basic meaning changes.

Write one example with a different subject or time word, and one example that contrasts it with a related pattern below.

## Related grammar to review next - [けど](/blog/n5-kedo/) — shows another way to connect ideas through reason, contrast, addition, or sequence. - [けれども](/blog/n5-keredo-mo/) — shows another way to connect ideas through reason, contrast, addition, or sequence. - [でも](/blog/n5-demo/) — shows another way to connect ideas through reason, contrast, addition, or sequence. - [そして](/blog/n5-soshite/) — shows another way to connect ideas through reason, contrast, addition, or sequence. ## Learn しかし with Hane If you want to review **しかし** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)