This article will give you all of the knowledge you need on the Japanese word demo, including its Japanese definition and translation, example sentences, and more!
Contents
What does demo mean?
The Japanese word demo (でも) means but or however. Demo is used at the beginning of sentences. You will tend to use it mostly in daily conversation. In writing, terms like shikashi (しかし) and keredomo (けれども) are more appropriate.
As in English, you can use demo to contrast with what has come before or to counter what someone said. In certain cases, it also draws the listener’s attention to what you are about to say. This is a common usage in TV shows and anime for dramatic effect.
Can also be used for suggestions
In certain situations, demo can also stand for how about when suggesting or offering something.
Below, we take a look at some examples of how to use demo in Japanese.
To make it easier for you, I have written each sentence in full Japanese kanji on the first line, followed by roman letters (romaji), and hiragana, with the English meaning coming last.
Demo = But
毎日、家事をやっている。でも掃除が嫌い。
Mainichi, kaji wo yatteiru. Demo souji ga kirai.
まいにち、かじをやっている。でもそうじがきらい。
I do chores everyday. But I hate cleaning.
私はシャンパンが好き。でも高いからあまり飲まない。
Watashi wa shanpan ga suki. Demo takai kara amari nomanai.
わたしはしゃんぱんがすき。でもたかいからあまりのまない。
I like champagne. But I don’t drink it much because it’s expensive.
彼は頭がいいです。でも、少しプライドが高いかもしれません。
Kare wa atama ga ii desu. Demo sukoshi puraido ga takai kamoshiremasen.
かれはあたまがいいです。でもすこしぷらいどがたかいかもしれません。
He is smart. But he’s maybe a little bit arrogant.
最初は分からなかった。でも、ある日気づいたんだ。
Saisho wa wakaranakatta. Demo, aru hi kizuitanda.
さいしょはわからなかった。でも、あるひきづいたんだ。
In the beginning, I didn’t know about it. But then one day I realized. (note: this sentence adds some dramatic effect).
How about some…
As mentioned above, demo can also translate as how about or how about some when you are suggesting something or making an offer.
お茶でも飲まない？
Ocha demo nomanai?
おちゃでものまない?
How about some tea?
今からご飯でも行きますか？
Ima kara gohan demo ikimasu ka?
いまからごはんでもいきますか?
How about we go for dinner now?
Rohan's favorite resource for learning Japanese is JapanesePod101, one of the best tools for getting started with the language. Sign up for a free lifetime account here.
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