しかし

However

Level 1Sounds Like shikashi

しかし is a formal way to say 'however' or 'but' at the start of a new sentence. It signals a deliberate contrast or a change in direction from the previous statement.

How It Works

1. Function and Meaning
しかし is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what was just said. It carries a nuance of 'considered thought' or a logical pivot, making it much stronger and more formal than the particle が or the conjunction でも.

2. Sentence Structure
In modern Japanese, しかし is almost exclusively a sentence-initial conjunction.
Structure: [Sentence A]。しかし、[Sentence B]。
It is standard practice in writing to place a comma (、) immediately after しかし to indicate a pause.

3. Register and Usage

  • Formal/Written: Used in essays, news reports, business emails, and academic papers.
  • Formal Spoken: Used in news broadcasts, lectures, or wedding speeches.
  • Casual: Avoid using this with friends or family. It will make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or giving a formal lecture.

Examples (3)

  1. 実験は失敗した。しかし、多くのデータを得ることができた。

    The experiment failed. However, we were able to obtain a lot of data.

    Word by Word: Experiment (topic) failed. However, many data (object) obtain could.

    This shows a logical contrast in a formal context (an experiment report).

  2. 彼は非常に有能だ。しかし、わがままなところがある。

    He is extremely capable. However, he has a selfish side.

    Word by Word: He (topic) extremely capable is. However, selfish part exists.

    Here, しかし introduces a negative trait that contrasts with the previously mentioned positive trait.

  3. 雨が降っていた。しかし、試合は中止にならなかった。

    It was raining. However, the match was not canceled.

    Word by Word: Rain (subject) was falling. However, match (topic) cancellation did not become.

    This demonstrates a result that was contrary to what one might expect from the first sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using しかし in casual conversation.

    A: 映画に行きたい？ B: うん。しかし、お金がない。
    A: 映画に行きたい？ B: うん。でも、お金がない。

    Using しかし in a casual chat with a friend sounds unnaturally stiff. Use でも instead.

  • Confusing しかし with the particle しか.

    水しかし飲まない。
    水しか飲まない。

    しか is a particle meaning 'only' (used with negative verbs), while しかし is a conjunction that starts a sentence. They are not interchangeable.

How It Connects

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しかしLevel 1However

Learn This First

To use 'shikashi' effectively, you need to be able to construct two independent sentences that you wish to contrast. It is a formal way to say 'however' or 'but' at the start of a new sentence, so familiarity with basic sentence structure and the general concept of contrastive markers like 'ga' is necessary.

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Words in This Pattern

しかし