Translation and Meaning of: 但し - tadashi

The Japanese word 但し [ただし] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in formal and legal contexts, but can also be found in everyday life. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical usage, as well as curiosities that help to better understand how the Japanese use this expression.

If you have ever come across contracts, rules, or notices in Japanese, you have probably seen 但し being used to introduce exceptions or specific conditions. But does this word have other meanings? How did it originate? And why is it so common in official texts? Let's answer these and other questions below.

Meaning and usage of 但し [ただし]

ただし é uma conjunção que significa "porém", "contudo" ou "com a condição de". Ela é usada para introduzir uma ressalva, exceção ou informação adicional que modifica o que foi dito anteriormente. Diferente de palavras como しかし (shikashi), que indicam um contraste mais geral, ただし tem um tom mais formal e específico.

A classic example is in rules or contracts: "入場無料。しかし、小学生以下は保護者同伴必須" (Free entry. However, elementary school children must be accompanied by an adult). Here, しかし defines an important condition that does not invalidate the main rule, but complements it with a crucial detail.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 但 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and 旦 (dawn), and originally carried the meaning of "only" or "exclusively." Over time, its meaning evolved to express limitations or conditions, which explains its current use. The hiragana form (ただし) is more common in daily life, while the kanji appears in legal and formal texts.

It is worth noting that 但し is not an old or obsolete word. On the contrary, it maintains its relevance precisely because it is useful in situations that require clarity, such as laws, manuals, and agreements. Its kanji also appears in other words, such as 但馬 (Tajima), the name of a region in Japan, but with no direct relation to the meaning we are discussing.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

A practical way to the meaning of 但し is to associate it with situations where there's a "catch" or important detail. Think of phrases like "It's free, but..." or "You can, as long as...". This mental pattern helps identify when the word would be used in Japanese. Another tip is to practice with real examples, like reading the of use on Japanese websites, where 但し appears frequently.

Avoid confusing 但し with similar words like しかし or でも, which are more general. While the latter serve for any contrast, 但し is more technical and almost always precedes an explicit condition. If you are writing a formal text or translating documents, paying attention to this difference is essential to avoid making mistakes.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ただし (tadashi) - However, on the other hand. Used to introduce a reservation.
• しかしながら (shikashinagara) - Meanwhile, however. Used to contrast with the previous idea.
• とはいうものの (to wa iu mono no) - Although, despite that. To express a moderate contrast.
• にもかかわらず (nimo kakawarazu) - However, even so. It suggests a strong counterbalance.
• それにもかかわらず (sore ni mo kakawarazu) - Despite this, even so. It emphasizes the contradiction more strongly.
• とはいえ (to wa ie) - However, although. It indicates a softer concession.
• とはいっても (to wa ittemo) - Although it is said so, despite. Emphasizes a nuance of contradiction.
• とはいえどもやはり (to wa ie domo yahari) - Nevertheless, it still suggests acceptance of a situation.
• とはいえどもそれでも (to wa ie domo sore demo) - Despite everything, still. It expresses contradiction, but with an acceptance.
• とはいえそれでも (to wa ie sore demo) - Despite this, still. Used to validate the previous idea, but still resisting it.
• とはいえそれにしても (to wa ie sore ni shitemo) - Even so, nonetheless. It expresses a slight reservation.
• とはいえそれにもかかわらず (to wa ie sore ni mo kakawarazu) - Despite this, even so. It suggests a strong contradiction and caveat.
• とはいえそれでもやはり (to wa ie sore demo yahari) - Nonetheless, it still implies a certain continuity despite the situation.
• とはいえそれでもなお (to wa ie sore demo nao) - Even so, despite that. It emphasizes the persistence of a state.