Picture this: you are chatting with a Japanese friend and you want to say “I studied hard. But I failed the exam.” You know the two sentences in Japanese — but how do you connect them? That small linking word, the conjunction, is doing a lot of work. Get it right and you sound natural. Use the wrong one and your sentence sounds awkward, or worse, too formal for a casual conversation.
Japanese conjunctions (接続詞・せつぞくし) link sentences and clauses together, signalling the relationship between ideas: addition, contrast, cause and result, sequence, choice, and more. This guide covers all the major ones — from the casual でも you hear every day to the formal したがって you will meet in JLPT reading passages — with natural examples, a register comparison table, and a decision flowchart so you always pick the right word.
| Conjunction | Reading | Meaning | Type | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| そして | soshite | And, and then | Addition | Neutral |
| それに | soreni | On top of that, also | Addition | Casual–Neutral |
| また | mata | Also, in addition | Addition | Neutral–Formal |
| さらに | sarani | Furthermore, moreover | Addition | Formal–Written |
| でも | demo | But, however | Contrast | Casual |
| しかし | shikashi | However, but | Contrast | Neutral–Formal |
| けれど／けど | keredo / kedo | But, though | Contrast | Casual (けど) – Neutral (けれど) |
| ところが | tokoroga | However (unexpected) | Contrast / Concession | Neutral–Formal |
| それでも | soredemo | Even so, still | Concession | Neutral |
| だから | dakara | So, that's why | Cause / Result | Casual |
| それで | sorede | So, and so | Cause / Result | Casual–Neutral |
| そのため | sonotame | Because of that, therefore | Cause / Result | Formal |
| したがって | shitagatte | Therefore, consequently | Cause / Result | Formal–Written |
| よって | yotte | Therefore, hence | Cause / Result | Written / Legal |
| まず | mazu | First of all | Sequence | Neutral |
| それから | sorekara | And then, after that | Sequence | Casual–Neutral |
| 次に | tsugini | Next | Sequence | Neutral |
| その後 | sonogo | After that | Sequence | Neutral–Formal |
| 最後に | saigoni | Finally, lastly | Sequence | Neutral |
| または | matawa | Or (listing options) | Choice | Formal–Written |
| あるいは | aruiwa | Or, alternatively | Choice | Formal |
| それとも | soretomo | Or (question) | Choice | Casual–Neutral |
| もしくは | moshikuwa | Or (legal / written) | Choice | Written / Legal |
Addition Conjunctions: そして, それに, また, さらに
Addition conjunctions add information to what was just said. Think of them as Japanese versions of “and,” “also,” and “furthermore” — but each one sits in a different spot on the formality scale.
そして — “And, and then” (neutral)
そして is the all-purpose addition conjunction. It connects two sentences or events in sequence and works in both speech and writing. It is the safe default when you are unsure which addition word to use.
📖 Pattern: [Sentence A]。そして、[Sentence B]。
▶ 彼女は医者だ。そして、ピアノも弾ける。
Kanojo wa isha da. Soshite, piano mo hikeru.
“She is a doctor. And she can also play the piano.”
それに — “On top of that, also” (casual to neutral)
それに adds an extra point that strengthens or completes the previous statement. It often carries a nuance of “what’s more” — you are piling on evidence or reasons.
▶ このカフェは安い。それに、コーヒーも美味しい。
Kono kafe wa yasui. Soreni, koohii mo oishii.
“This café is cheap. On top of that, the coffee is delicious too.”
また — “Also, in addition” (neutral to formal)
また introduces a parallel point. It is slightly more formal than それに and common in both spoken Japanese and written texts. You will also see it at the start of paragraphs in articles and reports.
▶ この薬は痛みを和らげる。また、炎症も抑える効果がある。
Kono kusuri wa itami wo yawarageru. Mata, enshou mo osaeru kouka ga aru.
“This medicine relieves pain. It also has the effect of reducing inflammation.”
さらに — “Furthermore, moreover” (formal to written)
さらに signals escalation — the next point is even stronger or adds even more to the argument. You hear it in news broadcasts, academic papers, and JLPT reading passages. Avoid it in casual conversation; it sounds unnatural there.
▶ 気温が下がった。さらに、雪まで降り始めた。
Kion ga sagatta. Sarani, yuki made furi hajimeta.
“The temperature dropped. Furthermore, it even started to snow.”
Yuka週末は映画を見た。それに、友達とも会ったよ。
(I watched a movie on the weekend. On top of that, I met up with a friend too.)
Reiいいね！そして、また来週も会おうよ。
(Nice! And let’s meet again next week too.)
Contrast Conjunctions: でも, しかし, けれど/けど, ところが, それでも
Contrast conjunctions introduce an idea that goes against or limits what was just said. This group is one of the most important — and the one where register mistakes happen most often.
でも — “But” (casual)
でも is the most common contrast word in everyday speech. It is completely natural at the start of a sentence in conversation and text messages. Do not use it to open paragraphs in formal writing, reports, or JLPT essay responses — switch to しかし or ところが instead.
▶ 行きたい。でも、お金がない。
Ikitai. Demo, okane ga nai.
“I want to go. But I don’t have money.”
しかし — “However, but” (neutral to formal)
しかし is the neutral-to-formal alternative to でも. It is appropriate in essays, news articles, business emails, and spoken explanations where you want to sound measured. JLPT test-takers: this is the word you want in your essay answers.
▶ 毎日練習した。しかし、試験には合格できなかった。
Mainichi renshuu shita. Shikashi, shiken ni wa goukaku dekinakatta.
“I practised every day. However, I was not able to pass the exam.”
けれど / けど — “But, though” (casual to neutral)
けど (casual) and けれど (neutral) sit between でも and しかし on the formality scale. They are especially common when connected directly to a clause mid-sentence rather than at the start of a new one. You can also use them as sentence-opening conjunctions in moderately casual contexts.
▶ 行けたらよかったけど、仕事があって……
Iketara yokatta kedo, shigoto ga atte…
“I wish I could have gone, but I had work…”
▶ 値段は高い。けれど、品質はすばらしい。
Nedan wa takai. Keredo, hinshitsu wa subarashii.
“The price is high. But the quality is wonderful.”
ところが — “However (unexpected result)” (neutral to formal)
ところが is the most nuanced contrast word here. Use it when the second sentence is a surprising or unexpected outcome — something the speaker did not anticipate. It cannot be swapped freely with でも or しかし when the contrast is simply a matter of opinion.
▶ 雨だと思っていた。ところが、晴れていた。
Ame da to omotte ita. Tokoroga, harete ita.
“I thought it would be raining. However (surprisingly), it was sunny.”
それでも — “Even so, still” (neutral)
それでも acknowledges the previous point — “yes, that is true” — but insists the following point holds anyway. It is the conjunction of persistence.
▶ 難しい試験だ。それでも、諦めない。
Muzukashii shiken da. Soredemo, akiramenai.
“It’s a difficult exam. Even so, I won’t give up.”
Yukaこの映画、評判は良かったよ。ところが、全然面白くなかった！
(This movie had great reviews. However, it wasn’t interesting at all!)
Reiえ、本当に？でも、私は好きだったけどな。
(Really? But I liked it though.)
Cause and Result Conjunctions: だから, それで, そのため, したがって, よって
These conjunctions signal that the second sentence is a result, conclusion, or consequence of the first. The meaning is similar across the group — the big difference is register.
だから — “So, that’s why” (casual)
だから is the everyday spoken word for “so” or “that’s why.” You will hear it constantly in conversation. It can also carry a slightly impatient or emphatic tone (“That’s exactly why!”) when used in conversation mid-argument.
▶ 昨日、徹夜した。だから、眠い。
Kinou, tetsuya shita. Dakara, nemui.
“I stayed up all night yesterday. So, I’m sleepy.”
それで — “So, and so” (casual to neutral)
それで is slightly more neutral than だから. It describes a natural consequence or the next step that followed, without the emphatic flavour. It is common both in conversation and in plain written Japanese.
▶ 財布を忘れた。それで、コンビニで何も買えなかった。
Saifu wo wasureta. Sorede, konbini de nanimo kaenakatta.
“I forgot my wallet. So, I couldn’t buy anything at the convenience store.”
そのため — “Because of that, therefore” (formal)
そのため belongs in formal writing, news, and official documents. It clearly marks a logical cause-and-effect chain and is a favourite in JLPT N3–N2 reading passages.
▶ 台風が接近している。そのため、明日の試合は中止となった。
Taifuu ga sekkin shite iru. Sonotame, ashita no shiai wa chuushi to natta.
“A typhoon is approaching. Because of that, tomorrow’s match has been cancelled.”
したがって — “Therefore, consequently” (formal to written)
したがって (from 従う, “to follow/obey”) draws a logical conclusion. It is used in essays, academic papers, and formal presentations. JLPT test-takers: you will encounter this in N3 and N2 reading passages.
▶ 実験結果は仮説を支持している。したがって、この理論は正しいと言える。
Jikken kekka wa kasetsu wo shiji shite iru. Shitagatte, kono riron wa tadashii to ieru.
“The experimental results support the hypothesis. Therefore, this theory can be said to be correct.”
よって — “Therefore, hence” (written / legal)
よって is the most formal and stiff of this group. You will find it in legal documents, official announcements, and the formal conclusion of written arguments. It is rarely spoken aloud in everyday contexts.
▶ 以上の理由により、本申請を却下する。よって、当該プロジェクトは終了とする。
Ijou no riyuu ni yori, hon shinsei wo kyakka suru. Yotte, tougai purojekuto wa shuuryou to suru.
“For the reasons stated above, this application is rejected. Hence, the said project is concluded.”
Sequence Conjunctions: まず, それから, 次に, その後, 最後に
Sequence conjunctions order events or steps. They are essential for giving directions, explaining a process, telling a story in order, or structuring a speech.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| まず | First of all | Begins a sequence; sets up the first step |
| それから | And then, after that | Casual narrative or instruction flow |
| 次に | Next | Step-by-step instructions or numbered lists |
| その後 | After that | Neutral; narrative or procedural writing |
| 最後に | Finally, lastly | Closes a sequence; wraps up the last point |
▶ まず、玉ねぎを切ってください。次に、フライパンで炒めます。それから、肉を加えます。最後に、塩と胡椒で味を調えてください。
Mazu, tamanegi wo kitte kudasai. Tsugini, furaipan de itamemasu. Sorekara, niku wo kuwaemasu. Saigoni, shio to koshou de aji wo totonoete kudasai.
“First, please cut the onion. Next, stir-fry it in a pan. Then, add the meat. Finally, please season with salt and pepper.”
Choice Conjunctions: または, あるいは, それとも, もしくは
Choice conjunctions present alternatives. English has just one word — “or” — but Japanese matches register carefully.
それとも — “Or” in questions (casual to neutral)
それとも is used in questions to present two alternatives and ask which one applies. It cannot be used in statements — only in questions or embedded question structures.
▶ コーヒーにしますか？それとも、紅茶にしますか？
Koohii ni shimasu ka? Soretomo, koucha ni shimasu ka?
“Will you have coffee? Or will you have tea?”
または — “Or” in statements (formal to written)
または presents alternatives in statements, rules, and formal contexts. You see it on signs, in terms and conditions, and in formal written Japanese.
▶ パスポートまたは運転免許証をご提示ください。
Pasupooto matawa unten menkyoshou wo go-teiji kudasai.
“Please present your passport or driver’s licence.”
あるいは — “Or, alternatively” (formal)
あるいは can introduce an alternative option in formal speech or writing. It can also hint at uncertainty (“or perhaps…”).
▶ バスで来てください。あるいは、電車でも構いません。
Basu de kite kudasai. Aruiwa, densha demo kamaimasen.
“Please come by bus. Or alternatively, the train is fine too.”
もしくは — “Or” in legal/written texts
もしくは is the most formal “or” and appears in contracts, regulations, and legal documents. In everyday speech it sounds stiff and unnatural.
▶ 会員証もしくは社員証を必ずご携帯ください。
Kaiin shou moshikuwa shain shou wo kanarazu go-keitai kudasai.
“Please always carry your membership card or employee ID.”
Yukaランチ、ラーメンにする？それとも、カレーにする？
(For lunch, will you have ramen? Or curry?)
Reiうーん、どっちでもいいかな。でも、カレーのほうが食べたいかも！
(Hmm, either is fine I think. But maybe I want curry more!)
Register Comparison Table
The single biggest source of conjunction mistakes is register mismatch. Here is a side-by-side overview to make it clear at a glance.
| Function | Casual (conversation, text) | Neutral (email, speech) | Formal (essay, report, JLPT) | Written / Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | それに | そして, また | また, くわえて | さらに |
| Contrast | でも, けど | けれど, しかし | しかし | しかしながら, ところが |
| Unexpected contrast | でも（surprises） | ところが | ところが | しかるに |
| Cause / Result | だから, それで | それで, そのため | そのため | したがって, よって |
| Choice | それとも（Q） | または | または, あるいは | もしくは |
| Sequence | それから | まず, 次に, 最後に | まず, 次に, 最後に | その後（そののち） |
Common Mistakes English Speakers Make
Mistake 1: Using でも in formal writing
In English, “but” works in both conversation and essays. In Japanese, でも belongs firmly in casual speech. Using it to open a paragraph in an essay or a JLPT writing task will cost you marks.
❌ でも、この政策には問題がある。 (in an essay)
✅ しかし、この政策には問題がある。
“However, this policy has problems.”
Mistake 2: Confusing ところが with でも / しかし
ところが specifically signals an unexpected outcome. If the contrast is simply a matter of opinion (“I like it but you don’t”), ところが sounds wrong. Save it for when the result genuinely surprises or contradicts what was predicted.
❌ 私は猫が好きだ。ところが、あなたは犬が好きだ。 (no surprise — just different opinions)
✅ 私は猫が好きだ。しかし、あなたは犬が好きだ。
“I like cats. But you like dogs.”
Mistake 3: Using だから in formal writing
Just as でも is casual contrast, だから is casual cause-result. In an essay or a formal email, replace it with そのため or したがって.
❌ コストが高かった。だから、プロジェクトは中止された。 (business report)
✅ コストが高かった。そのため、プロジェクトは中止された。
“The cost was high. Therefore, the project was cancelled.”
Mistake 4: Using それとも in statements
それとも is only for questions. Trying to use it in a statement — like “you can have A or B” — does not work. Use または or あるいは instead.
❌ バスそれとも電車で来てください。
✅ バスまたは電車で来てください。
“Please come by bus or by train.”
Mistake 5: Starting every sentence with そして
そして is versatile, but over-using it makes your writing sound repetitive and child-like, especially in formal contexts. Vary with また, さらに, or restructure the sentence.
Decision Flowchart: Which Conjunction Do I Use?
Run through these questions in order to pick the right conjunction.
What relationship do you want to express?
│
├─ ADDING information
│ ├─ Casual / spoken → それに, そして
│ ├─ Neutral / written → また
│ └─ Formal escalation → さらに
│
├─ CONTRASTING ideas
│ ├─ Is the result unexpected / surprising?
│ │ └─ YES → ところが
│ ├─ Casual speech / text → でも, けど
│ ├─ Neutral speech / email → けれど, しかし
│ └─ Formal essay / report → しかし, しかしながら
│
├─ CONCEDING ("Even so…")
│ └─ それでも
│
├─ CAUSE → RESULT
│ ├─ Casual conversation → だから, それで
│ ├─ Neutral / email → そのため
│ ├─ Formal essay → したがって
│ └─ Legal / official → よって
│
├─ SEQUENCING steps
│ ├─ Start → まず
│ ├─ Middle → それから, 次に
│ └─ End → 最後に, その後
│
└─ CHOICE / ALTERNATIVES
├─ In a question? → それとも
├─ In a statement?
│ ├─ Neutral / formal → または, あるいは
│ └─ Legal / written → もしくは
└─ (Never use それとも in a statement)
Sentence-Initial vs Mid-Sentence Conjunctions
One thing that surprises many learners: several Japanese conjunctions can work both as sentence-initial connectors (like “However, …”) and as mid-sentence conjunctions connecting clauses within one sentence.
| Conjunction | Sentence-initial? | Mid-sentence? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| でも | ✅ | ✅ | Mid-sentence: ～でも、～ (casual clause joiner) |
| しかし | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
| けれど / けど | ✅ | ✅ | Very natural mid-sentence: ～けど、～ |
| ところが | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
| だから | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
| それで | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
| そして | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
| まず | ✅ | ❌ | Sentence-initial only |
▶ Mid-sentence けど:
お腹は空いているけど、食べる気がしない。
“I’m hungry, but I don’t feel like eating.”
▶ Mid-sentence でも (slightly archaic / literary; more common as sentence-initial):
高くても、買いたい。
“Even if it’s expensive, I want to buy it.” (Note: ても here is a different conjunction form, not sentence-initial でも.)
Quick Quiz: Fill in the Blank
Choose the best conjunction from the options given. Answers are below.
Q1. 毎日勉強した。＿＿、試験に合格できなかった。
(I studied every day. _____, I could not pass the exam.)
A. だから B. しかし C. そして
Q2. このレストランは安い。＿＿、料理もおいしい。
(This restaurant is cheap. _____, the food is also delicious.)
A. でも B. それに C. ところが
Q3. バスが遅れた。＿＿、会議に間に合わなかった。（formal report）
(The bus was late. _____, I did not make it to the meeting on time.) [formal]
A. だから B. それで C. そのため
Q4. 電車で行きますか？＿＿、バスで行きますか？
(Will you go by train? _____, will you go by bus?)
A. または B. それとも C. もしくは
Q5. 天気が悪いと思っていた。＿＿、快晴だった。
(I thought the weather would be bad. _____, it was perfectly clear.)
A. しかし B. ところが C. それでも
Answers:
Q1 → B. しかし (contrast; formal enough for written context)
Q2 → B. それに (adding a positive point on top; でも = contrast; ところが = unexpected)
Q3 → C. そのため (formal cause/result for a report; だから and それで are too casual)
Q4 → B. それとも (choice in a question; または is for statements; もしくは is legal/written)
Q5 → B. ところが (unexpected outcome; しかし works but lacks the surprise nuance)
Leave a Comment
Which conjunction do you find hardest to use correctly — でも vs しかし, or something else? Write a sentence using your favourite new conjunction in the comments below, and we will give you feedback!
Keep Learning
Now that you can connect sentences fluently, these articles will help you build even more natural Japanese:
📖 Want to take your Japanese further? Practice speaking with a professional Japanese tutor on italki — affordable 1-on-1 online lessons at your own pace.
About the Author
Daisuke is the creator of JP YoKoSo — a Japanese learning site for English speakers. Every article is written to explain Japanese clearly, with real examples, grammar notes, and practical tips for learners at every level.
💬 Found a mistake or have a question? Contact us here — we review and update articles regularly.
Comments