だって

JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

Colloquial 'because/after all' used to give a reason or excuse (e.g., 'だって…').

ConjunctionColloquial

Examples

だって、今日は疲れているんだもん。

But I'm tired today, you know.

行きたくないよ。だって雨が降っているんだもん。

I don't want to go. After all, it's raining.

だって仕方ないじゃないか。

Well, there's nothing we can do about it.

2

Colloquial 'but' used to add an objection or contrast to what was just said.

ConjunctionColloquial

Examples

行けないよ。だってお金がないんだよ。

I can't go. But I don't have any money.

そんなこと言うなよ。だって彼は努力したんだ。

Don't say that. But he did try hard.

3

As a particle meaning 'even' or 'even X can/does' (e.g., '子どもだって分かる' = even children understand).

Particle

Examples

子どもだって分かる簡単な説明にしてください。

Please explain it simply so that even children can understand.

そんなこと、大人だって驚くよ。

Even adults would be surprised by that.

4

As a particle meaning 'also/too' to indicate inclusion (e.g., '私だって行きたい' = I want to go too).

Particle

Examples

彼女だって忙しいんだから、無理に誘わないほうがいい。

She's busy too, so you shouldn't insist on inviting her.

私だってそう思うよ。

I think so too.

5

Used colloquially to report hearsay ('I hear that...') or as a casual quotative/confirmation marker.

Particle

Examples

明日、休校だって。

I heard school is closed tomorrow.

彼、結婚するんだって?

You mean he's getting married?

天気予報では午後から雨だってさ。

The weather forecast says it'll rain from the afternoon.