The Meaning of tadashi [但し] In Japanese

但し
ただし
Romaji: tadashi N5

What does 但し mean?

Translation and Meaning

however, but, provided that, with the proviso that

Definition

A direct answer: it is a conjunction used to introduce a proviso or exception; it guides the reader toward a limitation on the preceding statement, typically followed by a clause that refines or restricts the meaning.

Type

conjunction (接続詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Proviso marker: introduces a condition or exception that narrows the preceding statement (romaji: tadashi)
  • Contrastive qualifier: signals a caveat that changes how the prior sentence should be interpreted (romaji: tadashi)
  • Formal usage: common in manuals, notices, contracts, and scholarly writing (romaji: tadashi)

Composition

  • 但 — a kanji meaning a constraint or exception, often signaling contrast
  • し — okurigana that forms the conjunctive ending, turning the kanji into a connective adverbial form

Usage

Used to introduce a proviso or exception, typically placed at the start of a sentence or after a stated condition to limit or clarify the preceding statement; common in formal writing, manuals, notices, contracts, and academic prose; it can appear in conversation for emphasis but remains more frequent in written form.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine BUT as a sign that carries a caveat; the trailing し attaches to form a phrase that introduces a qualification of what came before.

Variations

  • しかし (shikashi) — however, but
  • けれども (keredomo) — but, nevertheless

Example Phrases

  • 但し、雨の日は電車で行く方が安全です。
    tadashi, ame no hi wa densha de iku hou ga anzen desu.
    However, on rainy days it’s safer to go by train.
    Lista:
    • 但し (tadashi) – however
    • 雨の日は (ame no hi wa) – on rainy days
    • 電車で (densha de) – by train
    • 行く (iku) – go
    • 方が (hou ga) – better to
    • 安全です (anzen desu) – is safe
    The word 「但し」 functions as a concessive meaning ‘however’, introducing a caveat to a suggestion.
但し