Does this “が” mean “but”? What is the difference between 習うと思う and 習おうと思う?


I'm not sure my translation for this brief conversation is correct,
particularly the last sentence, so would like it double checked please.

> カレン: ニールさんは音楽の学生ですね。  
>  ニール: そうですが、どうして？  
>  カレン: バイオリンを **習おうと思っている** んです **が** 、いい先生を **知りませんか** 。
>
> Karen: Neil you're a music student aren't you?  
>  Neil: That’s right but why do you ask?  
>  Karen: Well I've been thinking of learning the violin so do you know any
> good teachers?

A couple of things:

  1. The が in the last sentence is confusing me as I can't see how a 'but' would really fit in.
  2. What would be the difference between 習うと思っている and 習おうと思っている?
  3. I was initially flummoxed by the 知りませんか but I think it’s a request form question now.




Your translation is correct. However, this `が` isn't the "but" one. It's the
"softener" one. I can't think of a way to translate it (if there even is one),
but it's often used to make one's own desires/actions seem less direct and a
little more humble.

Ex.

>   * 聞きたいことがあるんですが... → There's something I'd like to ask you...
>

* * *

The difference between `習うと思っている` and `習おうと思っている` is the former would be used
to indicate "I think <someone else> will learn" vs. "I'm thinking **_I'd like
to_** learn". `〜（よ）うと思う` is a very common form for expressing a desired, yet
uncertain intention.




Your translation is correct. However, this `が` isn't the "but" one. It's the
"softener" one. I can't think of a way to translate it (if there even is one),
but it's often used to make one's own desires/actions seem less direct and a
little more humble.

Ex.

>   * 聞きたいことがあるんですが... → There's something I'd like to ask you...
>

* * *

The difference between `習うと思っている` and `習おうと思っている` is the former would be used
to indicate "I think <someone else> will learn" vs. "I'm thinking **_I'd like
to_** learn". `〜（よ）うと思う` is a very common form for expressing a desired, yet
uncertain intention.

