Two words for "but"

Using "but" in Chinese is really simple and easy to learn, and it involves two words. No "buts" about it!

Basic Pattern

There are two main words for "but" in Chinese: 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì). These are largely the same, with some small differences:

Usually 可是 and 但是 precede a new phrase within a sentence:

我喜欢，但是我不需要。I like it, but I don't need it
在图书馆你可以喝水，但是不可以抽烟。In the library you can drink water, but you can't smoke.
公司会给你加工资，但是不是现在。The company gives you plus wages, but not at the moment.
你做得很好，但是他做得更好。You did very well, but he did better.
我们决定九点见面，可是我觉得他会迟到。We decided on meeting at 9 o'clock, but I think that he is late.
我很想去，可是我很忙。I really want to go, but I am very busy.
可是他不喜欢我怎么办？But he doesn't like what I do.
中文很有用，可是很难。Chinese is very useful, but it is very hard.
我喜欢这件衣服，可是太贵了。I like that piece of clothes, but it is too expensive.
我给他打电话，可是他不接。I gave him a call, but he didn't answer.