![(Alt Text: Joy shocked by rain [Noni] vs. Joy comparing fruits calmly [Keredomo])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gemini_Generated_Image_si2atssi2atssi2a.png)
(Joy shocked by rain [Noni] vs. Joy comparing fruits calmly [Keredomo])
“I studied hard, but I failed.”
Does this sentence sound just sad? Or are you complaining? In Japanese, the word for “but” changes depending on your feeling. 〜のに (Noni) expresses emotion, while 〜けれども (Keredomo) is neutral. Let’s master the difference!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy bought an expensive cake, but she is disappointed.
(Ken, this cake was expensive, [BUT/YET] it is not delicious!)
私（わたし）のケーキは安（やす）い けど、おいしいですよ。
(That is too bad. My cake is cheap, [but] it is delicious.)
💡 Explanation
Both mean “But/Although,” but the emotion behind them is different.
Point 1: 〜のに (Noni) = Surprise / Complaint
Use this when the result is different from what you expected. It includes feelings of dissatisfaction, regret, or surprise (“Even though…”).
- 日曜日（にちようび）な のに、働（はたら）きます。
(Even though it is Sunday, I am working. [I am unhappy about it]) - たくさん 勉強（べんきょう）した のに、テストが悪（わる）かったです。
(I studied a lot, YET the test score was bad. [Regret])
Point 2: 〜けれども (Keredomo) = Neutral Fact
Use this to simply connect two sentences or state a fact. It is neutral.
*Conversational form: 〜けど (Kedo) / 〜けれど (Keredo).
- 日本（にほん）は 好（す）きだ けど、夏（なつ）は 暑（あつ）いです。
(I like Japan, but summer is hot. [Just a fact]) - すみません が / けれど、トイレはどこですか？
(Excuse me, but where is the toilet? [Introduction])
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Inviting a friend)
❌ Wrong: 明日（あした）は 暇（ひま）な のに、映画（えいが）に行（い）きませんか？
(You cannot use “Noni” for invitations or requests.)
✅ Right: 明日（あした）は 暇（ひま）だ けど、映画（えいが）に行（い）きませんか？
(I am free tomorrow, so/but would you like to go to a movie?)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
