Two words for "but"

Using "but" in Chinese is really simple and easy to learn. It involves two words 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì). Make no "buts" about it; you'll understand it in no time!

Basic Pattern

There are two main words for "but" in Chinese: 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì). These are largely the same. The small difference is that 可是 (kěshì) is a bit more formal and more more common in northern China, and 但是 (dànshì) is more informal and a bit stronger in tone. You really don't need to worry about "which one is the right one to use" though.

Statement, 可是 / 但是 + [contrary statement]

Examples

Usually 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì) precede a new phrase within a sentence:

• 我 喜欢 他，可是 / 但是 他 不 喜欢 我。I like him but he doesn't like me.
• 我 很 想 去，可是 / 但是 我 很 忙。I really want to go, but I am very busy.
• 中文 很 有用，可是 / 但是 很 难。Chinese is very useful, but it is very hard.
• 我 喜欢 这 件 衣服，可是 / 但是 太 贵 了。I like that piece of clothing, but it is too expensive.
• 我 给 他 打 电话，可是 / 但是 他 不 接。I gave him a call, but he didn't answer.
• 我 喜欢，可是 / 但是 我 不 需要。I like it, but I don't need it.
• 在 这里 你 可以 看书，可是 / 但是 不 可以 聊天。You can read books here, but you can't chat.
• 你 可以 去，可是 / 但是 不 是 现在。You can go, but not right now.
• 你 做 得 很 好，可是 / 但是 他 做 得 更 好。You did very well, but he did even better.
• 那 个 地方 很 漂亮，可是 / 但是 我 觉得 人 太 多 了。That place is beautiful, but I think there are too many people there.

Note: In informal spoken Chinese, 可是 (kěshì) can be shortened to 可 (kě), and 但是 (dànshì) can be shortened to 但 (dàn).

See also

• A Softer "But"
• "Although" with "suiran" and "danshi"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 254-5) →buy

• 发展汉语 中级汉语口语上 (p. 3)→buy