JLPT N5 Because and but: linking clauses
から and ので both give reasons; ので sounds softer and more objective, so it suits polite explanations. けど, けれども, でも, and しかし all mean "but" with different formality, and しかし belongs in writing. A frequent mistake is starting a sentence with けど in formal speech where でも or しかし fits better.
6 N5 grammar points in this group
から (kara): because; since
Reason から connects a cause to a result: [reason] から, [result].
雨が降っていますから、今日は出かけません。 — It's raining, so I'm not going out today.
ので (node): because; since
The pattern is reason + ので、result. The part before ので is the cause; the part after is what follows from it.
雨なので、家にいます。 — It’s raining, so I’m staying home.
けど (kedo): but or although
In its basic use, けど means "but".
このラーメンは高いけど、おいしい。 — This ramen is pricey, but it's good.
けれども (keredo mo): but or although
The main meaning is contrast. In 高いけれども、おいしいです, being expensive would normally be a minus, and the second clause adds a plus. English usually translates this as: - but (It’s expensive, but it’s tasty.) - although (Although it’s expensive, it’s tasty.
この本は難しいけれども、おもしろいです。 — This book is difficult, but it’s interesting.
でも (demo): but or even
でも has three common meanings at N5:
行きたいです。でも、時間がありません。 — I want to go. But I don't have time.
しかし (shikashi): but; however
しかし is a conjunction (接続詞). It connects two separate sentences and signals a contrast between them. The first sentence sets up an idea or an expectation; the second, introduced by しかし, pushes against it.
行きたいです。しかし、時間がありません。 — I want to go. However, I don't have time.
Often confused in this group
- から vs ので — から gives a reason as your own argument; ので presents it as a plain fact, so it sounds softer and politer. 眠いから寝る vs 熱があるので休みます.