Difference between revisions of "Two words for "but""

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Revision as of 07:38, 25 February 2013

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 and 但是. These are largely the same, with some small differences:

可是 vs 但是
可是 但是
Lighter Stronger
Less formal More formal
Used more in speech Used more in writing
Used more in the north Used more in the south

Examples

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.
  • 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.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books