Two words for "but"
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Level
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Similar to
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Used for
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Keywords
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 | 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
- 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 (pp. 3)
