だが: meaning and usage

How to form it

• sentence+。だが、+sentence
• noun/な-adjective (stem)+だが、+clause

How it is used

A sentence-opening 'but', like 「しかし」 or 「でも」, with a firmer tone. It appears mostly in writing and plain-style speech; in polite 「です・ます」 conversation people usually say 「ですが」 or 「でも」.

Examples

1. 彼らのコンサートはとても人気です。だが抽選に当たったことがありません。

   Their concerts are very popular. However, I've never won the lottery (to get a ticket).

2. この部屋は駅から近くて便利だ。だが、家賃が少し高い。

   This apartment is close to the station and convenient. But the rent is a little high.

3. 何度も練習した。だが、本番ではうまくいかなかった。

   I practised again and again. But when it really counted, it didn't go well.