N5
けれども
But, Although
私はこの本が好きではないけれども、あなたは好きでしょう。
I don't like this book, but you do, don't you?
Explanation
「けれども」 has 2 uses
1But
The two halves pull against each other: 「薬を飲みましたけれども、まだ治りません」 (I took the medicine, but I am not better yet).
私はこの本が好きではないけれども、あなたは好きでしょう。
I don't like this book, but you do, don't you?
薬を飲んだけれど、まだ頭が痛い。
I took medicine, but my head still hurts.
2Softening a request
Softens things before a request or question: 「すみませんけれども、道を教えてください」 (Excuse me, could you tell me the way?).
すみませんけれども、駅までの道を教えてください。
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the station?
来週の旅行のことですけれども、少し話してもいいですか。
About next week's trip: could we talk for a minute?
Mixed up with
Contrast particles from most formal to most casual:
「が」 (most formal, written) > 「けれども」 (proper, polite) > 「けれど」 (everyday polite) > 「けど」 (casual speech).
With elders and clients, 「けれども」 is clear and more dignified than 「けど」; these are all forms of the same word.