Two words for "but"

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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。
  • 在 图书馆 你 可以 喝水,但是 不 可以 抽烟。
  • 我们 决定 九点 见面,可是 我 觉得 他 会 迟到。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books