しかしながら
Part of Speech: conjunctive adverb
JA
A formal conjunctive adverb used to introduce a contrasting statement, equivalent to 'however', 'nevertheless', or 'on the other hand' in English. It is more polite and formal than the common conjunction しかし.
この計画には多くの利点がある。しかしながら、実行には大きなコストがかかる。
This plan has many advantages. However, it will require significant costs to implement.
Etymology
It evolved from the combination of the adversative conjunction しかし (meaning 'but') and the conjunctive particle ながら (meaning 'while' or 'despite'), which together originally carried the sense of 'despite that being the case'.
Memory Aid
Think of it as the formal, polite version of 'but' — it is the longer, more respectful cousin of しかし, used when you need to sound professional or courteous.
Quick answers
What does しかしながら mean?
しかしながら means: A formal conjunctive adverb used to introduce a contrasting statement, equivalent to 'however', 'nevertheless', or 'on the other hand' in English. It is more polite and formal than the common conjunction しかし.
How do you pronounce しかしながら?
しかしながら: shikishi nagara
How is しかしながら used in a sentence?
この計画には多くの利点がある。しかしながら、実行には大きなコストがかかる。