word

Meaning

But

Reading

Kanji

然Sort of thing, In that case

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '然し (しかし)' means 'but' and is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has been said previously. It is a formal and slightly literary way of expressing contrast, often used in written language or formal speech. For example: I wanted to go, but I couldn't「行きたかったが、しかし行けなかった」(いきたかったが、しかしいけなかった). He is young, but very talented「彼は若いが、しかしとても才能がある」(かれはわかいが、しかしとてもさいのうがある). Note that 'しかし' can sometimes be replaced with the more casual 'でも' in informal contexts.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

102

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

And

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction 'そして (soshite)' is used to connect sentences or clauses, similar to the English word 'and'. It indicates a sequence of events or addition of information. It is often used in both written and spoken Japanese to smoothly transition between ideas. For example: I woke up, and then I ate breakfast「私は起きました、そして朝ごはんを食べました」(わたしはおきました、そしてあさごはんをたべました). She studied hard, and then she passed the exam「彼女は一生懸命勉強しました、そして試験に合格しました」(かのじょはいっしょうけんめいべんきょうしました、そしてしけんにごうかくしました). Note that 'そして' is more formal than 'それから' and is typically used in written language or formal speech.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Frequency

121

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Or

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction 'あるいは' is used to present alternatives or possibilities, similar to the English word 'or'. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate a choice between two options or to suggest an alternative idea. For example: You can choose tea or coffee「あるいは紅茶、あるいはコーヒーを選べます」(あるいはこうちゃ、あるいはコーヒーをえらべます). It can also be used to introduce a hypothetical scenario: Perhaps it will rain, or maybe it will snow「あるいは雨が降るかもしれない、あるいは雪が降るかもしれない」(あるいはあめがふるかもしれない、あるいはゆきがふるかもしれない). Note that 'あるいは' is more formal than 'または' or 'か', which are also used to mean 'or'.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Frequency

328

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

And

Reading

Kanji

及Reach, Extend

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '及び (および)' is used to connect nouns or noun phrases, similar to the English word 'and'. It is a formal conjunction often used in written language, official documents, or formal speech. Unlike the more casual 'と', '及び' is used to list items in a more structured or hierarchical manner. For example: apples and oranges「りんご及びオレンジ」(りんごおよびオレンジ). The law applies to adults and children「この法律は大人及び子供に適用される」(このほうりつはおとなおよびこどもにてきようされる). Note that '及び' is not used to connect sentences or clauses, only nouns or noun phrases.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

375

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Moreover

Reading

Kanji

然Sort of thing, In that case

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '然も (しかも)' is used to add information that emphasizes or strengthens the previous statement, similar to 'moreover', 'furthermore', or 'what's more'. It often introduces an additional point that is surprising or unexpected in relation to the preceding context. For example: He is smart, and moreover, he is kind「彼は頭がいい、しかも優しい」(かれはあたまがいい、しかもやさしい). The food was delicious, and what's more, it was cheap「その料理は美味しかった、しかも安かった」(そのりょうりはおいしかった、しかもやすかった). This conjunction is commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese to build on a point or highlight something noteworthy.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

503

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Namely

Reading

Kanji

即Instant, Immediate

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '即ち (すなわち)' means 'namely' or 'in other words'. It is used to clarify or restate something that has been mentioned previously, often to provide a more precise or detailed explanation. This word is commonly used in both written and formal spoken Japanese. For example: He is my best friend, namely, my brother「彼は私の親友、即ち、私の兄です」(かれはわたしのしんゆう、すなわち、わたしのあにです). The solution is simple, namely, to work harder「解決策は簡単だ、即ち、もっと頑張ることだ」(かいけつさくはかんたんだ、すなわち、もっとがんばることだ).

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

611

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

However, But

Reading

Kanji

但However, But

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '但し (ただし)' is used to introduce a condition, exception, or limitation to a previous statement. It is often translated as 'however' or 'but' in English, but it specifically implies a restriction or clarification. For example: You can enter, however, you must wear a mask「入ってもいいです、但し、マスクを着用してください」(はいってもいいです、ただし、マスクをちゃくようしてください). The event is free, but registration is required「イベントは無料です、但し、登録が必要です」(イベントはむりょうです、ただし、とうろくがひつようです). Note that '但し' is more formal and is commonly used in written or official contexts.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

729

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Now

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction 'さて (さて)' is used to indicate a transition or shift in topic, similar to 'now' or 'well then' in English. It is often used to introduce a new subject, resume a conversation, or move on to the next point. For example: Now, let's begin「さて、始めましょう」(さて、はじめましょう). Well then, what should we do next?「さて、次は何をしましょうか」(さて、つぎはなにをしましょうか). This word is commonly used in both casual and formal settings to smoothly transition between topics or actions.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Frequency

1244

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

And

Reading

Kanji

且Moreover, Also

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '且つ (かつ)' is used to connect two statements or ideas, similar to the English 'and'. However, it is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It emphasizes that both connected elements are true or applicable. For example: He is intelligent and diligent「彼は賢く且つ勤勉だ」(かれはかしこくかつきんべんだ). This method is effective and safe「この方法は効果的且つ安全だ」(このほうほうはこうかてきかつあんぜんだ). Note that '且つ' is less common in casual conversation, where 'そして' or 'そして' might be used instead.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1291

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Or

Reading

Kanji

若Young

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction '若しくは (もしくは)' means 'or'. It is used to present alternatives or choices, often in formal or legal contexts. This conjunction is typically used to connect two items or clauses, indicating that either one or the other is possible. For example: You can choose tea or coffee「お茶若しくはコーヒーを選べます」(おちゃもしくはコーヒーをえらべます). The meeting will be held on Monday or Tuesday「会議は月曜日若しくは火曜日に開催されます」(かいぎはげつようびもしくはかようびにかいさいされます). Note that '若しくは' is more formal than the more commonly used 'または' or 'か'.

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2162

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Or, From

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese conjunction 'ないし (ないし)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'or', used to indicate a choice between two options, often in formal or written contexts. The second meaning is 'from', used to indicate a range or span between two points. For example: You can choose tea or coffee「お茶ないしコーヒーを選べます」(おちゃないしコーヒーをえらべます). The event will last from 10 to 12「イベントは10時ないし12時までです」(イベントは10じないし12じまでです). Note that 'ないし' is more formal and less commonly used in casual conversation compared to alternatives like 'または' (or) or 'から' (from).

Part Of Speech

conjunction

Frequency

2874

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting