What Is "Kedo" in Japanese?

by Namiko Abe
Namiko Abe is a Japanese language teacher and translator, as well as a Japanese calligraphy expert. She has been a freelance writer for nearly 20 years.
Updated April 01, 2019

"Kedo" (sometimes "keredo") is a particle that follows a clause. It translates into "but."

 

Kore wa chiisai desu kedo, 
omoi desu.
これは小さいですけど、重いです。		This is small, but heavy.
Yonda kedo, wakarimasen deshita. 
読んだけど、分かりませんでした。		I read it, but I didn't understand it.


In many cases when "kedo" is used at the end of a sentence, the original meaning "but" fades away, and it simply functions as a softener to avoid an abrupt remark.

Yakyuu ga suki desu ka. 
野球が好きですか。		Do you like baseball?
Hai, suki desu kedo. 
はい、好きですけど。		Yes, I like it.


When making a phone call and identifying yourself, "kedo" is often used as a softener.

Tanaka desu kedo.
田中ですけど。		This is Tanaka.