Japanese for Intermediate Learners: Responding to an Opposing Argument with a Counterpoint
Learn to acknowledge an opposing view and introduce a counterpoint in Japanese using 確かに…しかし, それはそうですが, and 一方で. Build rebuttal skills for natural conversation.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In intermediate Japanese conversation, simply disagreeing can sound abrupt. A more effective approach is to first acknowledge the other person's point, then present your counterpoint. This lesson teaches fixed phrases like 確かに…しかし and それはそうですが, which let you respond thoughtfully without dismissing the other speaker. You will practice combining concession and rebuttal in a natural, polite register suitable for discussions with friends, colleagues, or classmates.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge an opposing argument using 確かに or それはそうですが.
- introduce a counterpoint with しかし, ただ, or 一方で.
- use ～かもしれませんが to soften disagreement.
- sustain a short rebuttal exchange in polite Japanese.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
確かにそうですが、…
That may be true, but...
Tashika ni sō desu ga, …
Standard polite concession followed by a counterpoint. Use in formal or neutral conversation.
それはそうですが、別の見方もあります。
That's true, but there's another way to look at it.
Sore wa sō desu ga, betsu no mikata mo arimasu.
Introduces an alternative perspective without direct confrontation.
おっしゃることは分かりますが、…
I understand what you're saying, but...
Ossharu koto wa wakarimasu ga, …
Respectful phrasing; おっしゃる is honorific for 'say'. Use with superiors or in formal settings.
ただ、～という点も考慮すべきだと思います。
However, I think we should also consider the point that...
Tada, … to iu ten mo kōryo subeki da to omoimasu.
ただ softens the counterpoint; 考慮すべきだ expresses 'should consider'.
一方で、～という意見もあります。
On the other hand, there is also the opinion that...
Ippō de, … to iu iken mo arimasu.
一方で presents a contrasting viewpoint neutrally.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is concession + contrast: 確かに／それはそうですが + counterpoint. For example, 確かにその通りですが、コストが高すぎます。 (That's certainly true, but the cost is too high.) You can also use ～かもしれませんが to soften: 便利かもしれませんが、使い方が難しいです。 (It may be convenient, but it's hard to use.) Another pattern is ただ、～という点も考慮すべきだと思います。 (However, I think we should also consider the point that...). These patterns keep the tone cooperative.
When to use it
Use these patterns when you want to disagree without sounding rude. In a meeting, after a colleague says この案はいいと思います, you can reply 確かにいいと思いますが、予算が足りないかもしれません。 (I think it's good, but the budget might be insufficient.) With friends, a shorter それはそうだけど、… works. Avoid direct いいえ、違います in polite conversation; it can sound harsh. Instead, acknowledge first, then present your counterpoint. This is especially important in Japanese workplace and academic discussions.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
この計画はコストがかかりすぎると思います。
I think this plan costs too much.Kono keikaku wa kosuto ga kakarisugiru to omoimasu.確かにそうですが、長期的には利益が出るかもしれません。
That may be true, but it might be profitable in the long term.Tashika ni sō desu ga, chōkiteki ni wa rieki ga deru kamoshiremasen.それはそうですが、初期費用が心配です。
That's true, but I'm worried about the initial cost.Sore wa sō desu ga, shoki hiyō ga shinpai desu.おっしゃることは分かりますが、分割払いという方法もあります。
I understand what you're saying, but there's also the option of installment payments.Ossharu koto wa wakarimasu ga, bunkatsu barai to iu hōhō mo arimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese conversation, direct disagreement can be perceived as confrontational. Acknowledging the other person's point first (確かに, それはそうですが) shows respect and maintains group harmony (和). The level of politeness depends on the relationship: use おっしゃる with superiors, but 言う with close friends. Also, 一方で is more formal and often used in written or formal spoken Japanese, while ただ is common in casual but polite discussion.
One thing to watch for
Using しかし immediately after someone's opinion without acknowledging it, e.g., しかし、それは間違いです。
Try this instead: In polite Japanese, start with a concession: 確かにそうかもしれませんが、それは間違いだと思います。 This softens the disagreement and sounds more natural.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your colleague says: この案は完璧だと思います。 Respond with a counterpoint about cost.
Show a sample answer
確かに完璧かもしれませんが、コストが高すぎると思います。
This uses 確かに…かもしれませんが to acknowledge, then states the counterpoint. Other valid answers could use それはそうですが or ただ.
2How would you politely say 'I understand what you're saying, but there's another way' to a superior?
Show a sample answer
おっしゃることは分かりますが、別の方法もあります。
おっしゃる is honorific, appropriate for superiors. 別の方法もあります introduces an alternative. A less formal version would be 言うことは分かるけど、別の方法もあるよ.
3What is the function of ただ in a rebuttal?
Show a sample answer
ただ softens the counterpoint and means 'however' or 'just'. It introduces a contrasting point without sounding harsh.
ただ is often used after a concession to add a caveat. For example, ただ、時間がかかるという問題もあります。 It is less formal than しかし but still polite.
To counter an opposing argument in Japanese, first acknowledge with 確かに or それはそうですが, then present your point using しかし, ただ, or 一方で. This keeps the conversation respectful and effective.
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