Kyou wa hare deshitaga, soto ni demasendeshita

Paradox

We can connect two sentences into one longer sentence to show a premise followed by an unexpected or contradictory result. In Japanese, the conjunctions “ga” and “kedo” are used to mean “but.” However, unlike in English, where “but” appears at the beginning of the second clause, “ga” and “kedo” are placed at the end of the first clause in Japanese.

Here is a more detailed explanation with examples:

  1. Using “ga”:
    • “ga” is used in both formal and informal contexts to connect two clauses, indicating that the second clause presents a contrast or contradiction to the first.
    • Example:
      • Nihongo o benkyō shimashita ga, mada jōzu dewa arimasen. – I studied Japanese, but I am not still good at it.
  2. Using “kedo”:
    • “kedo” is more casual and is commonly used in spoken language to indicate contrast or an unexpected result.
    • Example:
      • Atarashii kutsu o katta kedo, amari haiteimasen. – I bought new shoes, but I haven’t worn them much.

In both cases, the premise is stated first, followed by “が” or “けど,” and then the unexpected or contradictory result.

Kare wa gakusei desuga, hatarakimasu. >>> He is a student, but he works.
Kare wa ii hito desuga, kechi desu. >>> He is nice, but is stingy.
Kare wa ii hito dakedo, kechi desu.
Purin o reizouko ni iremashitaga, dareka ga tabemashita. >>> I put a pudding in the fridge, but someone ate it.
Purin o reizouko ni iretakedo, dareka tabeta!

How to connect to sentences

The sentence before “ga” and “kedo” can be in either short forms or long forms.

Usage of “ga” and “kedo” with different forms:

  1. Short Forms + “kedo”:
    • Using short forms plus “kedo” creates a casual sentence, which is typically used in conversations with familiar people.
    • Example:
      • Kinou, eiga o mita kedo, amari omoshiroku nakatta. – I watched a movie yesterday, but it wasn’t very funny.
  2. Long Forms + “ga” and “kedo”:
    • Using long forms plus “ga” or kedo” makes the sentence more formal. This form is suitable for speaking with unfamiliar people or in public settings.
    • Example:
      • Kyou wa isogashii desu ga, otetsudai dekimasu. – I am busy today, but I can help.
      • Kare wa gakusei desu kedo, arubaito o shiteimasu. – He is a student, but he has a part-time job.
  3. Short Forms + “ga”:
    • Using short forms plus “ga” makes the sentence more suitable for written form, often seen in literature or formal writing.
    • Example:
      • Kare wa ikitai ga, jikan ga nai. – He wants to go, but he doesn’t have time.

Words

WordMeaning
sumahosmart phone
chiisaismall
benriconvenient
taiThailand
atsuihot, warm
moalso
hawaiHawaii
maitoshievery year
umisea
yamamountain
hairuget into, enter
samuicold
mirarerucan watch
jikiseason
asesweat
ase o kakuget sweaty

Expressions

Kono sumaho wa chiisai desuga, benri desu.
Tai wa atsui desuga, nihon mo atsui desu.
Maitoshi hawai ni ikimasuga, umi ni hairimasen.
Kore wa pasokon desuga, terebi mo miraremasu.

Exercise

Questions

Make the two sentences into one using “kedo”

  1. Ashita wa atatakai desu. Kaze ga tsuyoi desu.
  2. Ashita wa atatakai. Kaze ga tsuyoi.
  3. Kono shigoto wa kantan desu. Tamani muzukashii desu.
  4. Kono shigoto wa kantan da. Tamani muzukashii desu.

Translate them into Japanese.

  1. I go to the sea in Hawaii, but also go to the mountain. 
  2. There is a hot season in Japan, but there is also a cold season. 
  3. It is the cold season, but I get sweaty in the house. 

Answers

  1. Ashita wa atatakaidesukedo, kaze ga tsuyoi desu.
  2. Ashita wa atatakaikedo, kaze ga tsuyoi.
  3. Kono shigoto wa kantan desukedo, tamani muzukashiidesu.
  4. Kono shigoto wa kantan dakedo, tamani muzukashiidesu.
  1. Hawai de umi ni ikimasuga, yama ni mo ikimasu.
  2. Nihon ni atsui jiki ga arimasuga, samui jiki mo arimasu.
  3. Samui jiki desuga, ie de wa ase o kakimasu.