但し（ただし、tadashi）
- however

The Japanese word 但し, read as ただし, functions as a conjunction or conjunctive adverb, primarily meaning "however," "provided that," "but," "except," or "on the condition that." It introduces a qualification, exception, or condition to the preceding statement. It's used to add a contrasting point, a limitation, or a specific requirement. The implication is often that the main clause holds true, but there's a caveat.

⚫︎この本は面白い。但し、少し難しい。 Translation: This book is interesting. However, it's a bit difficult. ⚫︎参加費は無料です。但し、事前に登録が必要です。 Translation: The participation fee is free. However, prior registration is required. ⚫︎全品20%オフです。但し、一部商品は除きます。 Translation: Everything is 20% off. However, some items are excluded.

⚫︎ Use 但し to introduce a contrast or exception to a preceding statement. ⚫︎ It is often used in formal writing and speech, such as contracts, notices, and announcements. ⚫︎ It usually follows a sentence or a clause and is followed by a comma. ⚫︎ It can be placed at the beginning of a new sentence or in the middle of a sentence, depending on the desired emphasis.

⚫︎ The word is typically written as 但し, using the kanji. ⚫︎ It is almost always written in hiragana as ただし in conversational contexts. ⚫︎ There is no variation in the okurigana.

⚫︎ しかし (however, but) - More common in general conversation. ⚫︎ けれども (however, but) - A slightly softer tone than しかし. ⚫︎ ただし書き (ただしがき) - A note, proviso, or exception (noun, and thus is not a direct synonym).

There is no direct antonym, as 但し doesn't represent a specific concept like "hot" or "cold." Instead, it introduces an exception or a qualification.

この学校の学生は無料で図書館を利用できます。但し、貸出期間は2週間です。 ・Translation: Students of this school can use the library for free. However, the loan period is two weeks. ・Explanation: The first sentence states a general rule, while the second introduces an exception (the loan period) using 但し.

この割引はオンラインストア限定です。但し、送料は別途いただきます。 ・Translation: This discount is limited to the online store. However, shipping fees are charged separately. ・Explanation: The main point is about a discount condition, and 但し explains a shipping condition.

The kanji 但 means "however" or "only," and し is a grammatical particle. The combination of these characters evolved to function as a conjunction to express exceptions or conditions.