English joins contrasting ideas with “but” in the middle. Japanese attaches it to the end of the first clause: 〜が (a little formal) or 〜けど (casual). 高いけど、おいしい (“pricey, but tasty”). Same idea — the “but” just rides on the first half.
Today's words
寒い
cold (e.g. weather)
倒れる
to fall (over, down); to collapse
緑
green
Write today's kanji — tap to replay
寒
倒
緑
See it in real sentences
急いでいるんですけど。
We've really got to step on it.
まあ、いいけど。
I guess we could.
重いけど、何とか運べます。
It's heavy, but I can manage it.
残念ですが、できません。
I'm afraid I can't.
悪いけど行けないよ。
I'm sorry I can't go.
まだ少し怖いけど。
Don't be afraid.
Practice
Spaced review — recall from earlier days (tap to flip)
to sing
歌う
1d ago
tea (esp. green or barley)
お茶
1d ago
meal (e.g. lunch, dinner)
食事
3d ago
to be delighted
喜ぶ
3d ago
to add (numbers)
足す
7d ago
movie
映画
7d ago
Recall
Which word means “cold (e.g. weather)”?
Which word means “to fall (over, down)”?
Which word means “green”?
Listen and choose
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Your turn — say it, then check
Say: “We've really got to step on it.”
急いでいるんですけど。
Say: “I guess we could.”
まあ、いいけど。
👀 Today’s input · ~15 min — where fluency actually comes from
Real-world Japanese
NHK News Web Easy is now within reach — simplified news with furigana *and* audio, so you can read and listen at the same time. Do one short article a day; hover past what you don’t know.