しかし
🃏 Flashcard
しかし
shikashi
Tap to reveal usage
but; however
N5
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N5
Beginner · Basic sentence structures
Reading
shikashi
Post ID
50661
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
but; however
📖 How to use it
Connects two sentences to show contrast, meaning 'but' or 'however'.
Attaches to
Used at the beginning of a new sentence, not attached to a specific verb form.
しかし is a conjunction that links two sentences, showing that the second sentence contrasts with or contradicts the first. It is similar to でも (demo) but more formal and often used in writing, speeches, or polite conversation. When speaking casually, でも is more common. For example: あのレストランは高いです。しかし、おいしいです。 (That restaurant is expensive. However, it's delicious.)
あのレストランは高いです。しかし、おいしいです。
Ano resutoran wa takai desu. Shikashi, oishii desu.
That restaurant is expensive. However, it's delicious.
日本語は難しいです。しかし、おもしろいです。
Nihongo wa muzukashii desu. Shikashi, omoshiroi desu.
Japanese is difficult. However, it's interesting.
今日は寒いです。しかし、元気です。
Kyou wa samui desu. Shikashi, genki desu.
Today is cold. However, I'm fine.
Not でも (demo)
しかし is more formal and used in writing or polite speech; でも is casual and used in everyday conversation.
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Formal; used in writing, speeches, and polite conversation. In casual speech, でも is preferred.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
しかし
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat しかし three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using しかし. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N5 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern しかし mean?
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But; however
What JLPT level is しかし?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N5 — Beginner · Basic sentence structures. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use しかし in a sentence?
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Attach しかし (shikashi) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is しかし formal or casual Japanese?
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しかし is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember しかし long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.