GRAMMAR
〜だって
because
but, even
Explanation
NOTE
〜だって is a casual multi-purpose expression with three main uses.
NOTE
Use 1 — 'Because' / excuse: justifies or defends a previous statement ('because...', 'I mean...').
行かなかった。だって、疲れてたんだもん。
I didn't go. Because I was tired.
Used at the start of a sentence to provide a casual reason or excuse for a previous statement.
NOTE
Use 2 — 'Even': stresses inclusion, similar to でも ('even X', 'X too').
子供だってできるよ。
Even a child can do it.
Used after a noun to mean 'even' or 'also', emphasizing that something is included in an unexpected way.
NOTE
Use 3 — 'But' / objection: at the start of a sentence, signals mild pushback ('but...', 'still...').
だって、知らなかったんだもん。
But I didn't know!
Acts as a colloquial conjunction to introduce a justification, often with a defensive or childish tone.
STRUCTURE
... だって ...
だって、知らなかったんだもん。
Datte, shiranakattan da mon.
But I didn't know!
私だって行きたい。
Watashidatte ikitai.
Even I want to go.
だって、難しすぎるよ。
Datte, muzukashisugiru yo.
But it's way too difficult.
Practice exercises
1
だって、怖かったんだもん。
Because I was scared!
Answer
だって
2
彼女だって頑張ってる。
Even she is working hard.
Answer
だって
3
だって、時間がなかったんだよ。
But I didn't have time!
Answer
だって
4
だって、眠かったんだもん。
Because I was sleepy!
Answer
だって
5
だって、知らなかったんだよ。
But I didn't know!
Answer
だって
6
私だって失敗することがある。
Even I sometimes fail.
Answer
だって
7
だって、急に言われても無理だよ。
But it's impossible when told so suddenly.
Answer
だって
8
経験豊富なベテランだって予測できない事態はある。
There are situations that even experienced veterans cannot predict.
Answer
だって