Two words for "but"
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\r\nUsing "but" in Chinese is really simple and easy to learn, and it involves two words. No "buts" about it!\r\n== Basic Pattern ==\r\nThere are two main words for "but" in Chinese: 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì). These are largely the same, with some small differences:\r\n{| class="wikitable"style="width:100%"
|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
|}\r\n== Examples ==\r\nUsually 可是 and 但是 precede a new phrase within a sentence:\r\n
\r\n* 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.\r\n
\r\n==See also==
