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JLPT N5 · Sentence patterns

しかし (shikashi)

しかし — “however” (formal connector)

In short · しかし starts a new sentence that contrasts with the previous one: ‘However, …’. It is more formal than でも and is common in writing, speeches and polite speech. It stands at the beginning of a sentence.
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Pattern

  • 文１。しかし、文２。 Sentence 1. しかし, sentence 2 (contrast)

How it works

しかし links two sentences whose meanings go in opposite directions. The first sentence ends, then しかし opens the second: 走りました。しかし、間に合いませんでした。

Formality

でも is the casual version, and しかし is the standard formal one. In essays, reports and the news, しかし is the usual choice. In very formal writing you may also see だが or しかしながら.

Punctuation

A comma usually follows しかし. It begins a new sentence, so you do not attach it to the end of a sentence the way けど or が can be.

Examples

  • 走（はし）りました。しかし、間（ま）に合（あ）いませんでした。

    Hashirimashita. Shikashi, maniaimasen deshita.

    I ran. However, I didn't make it in time.

    The result goes against what was expected.

  • たくさん勉強（べんきょう）しました。しかし、テストは難（むずか）しかったです。

    Takusan benkyō shimashita. Shikashi, tesuto wa muzukashikatta desu.

    I studied a lot. However, the test was difficult.

    Two sentences in contrast.

  • 外（そと）は寒（さむ）いです。しかし、部屋（へや）は暖（あたた）かいです。

    Soto wa samui desu. Shikashi, heya wa atatakai desu.

    It's cold outside. However, the room is warm.

    Contrasting two places.

Common mistakes

  • Put しかし at the start of a new sentence, not in the middle of one.
  • It sounds formal. With friends, でも or だけど is more natural.

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