In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'but' or 'however' in Mandarin.
- Commonly paired with 'suīrán' (although) for a complete contrast.
- Works perfectly in both professional emails and casual chats.
Meaning
Think of this as the universal 'pivot' word. It’s the most common way to say 'but' or 'however' when you want to change the direction of a conversation or introduce a contrasting idea.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering food at a restaurant
我想吃火锅，但是我不吃辣。
I want to eat hotpot, but I don't eat spicy food.
Giving a compliment with a catch
这件衣服很漂亮，但是太贵了。
This clothing is beautiful, but it's too expensive.
In a professional meeting
你的主意很好，但是我们没有预算。
Your idea is great, but we don't have the budget.
Cultural Background
The word 'dàn' (但) originates from ancient Chinese meaning 'only' or 'merely', but evolved into a contrastive conjunction. In modern Mandarin, it is the standard pivot used in the 'Although... but...' sentence structure, which is more strictly required in Chinese than in English.
The Power of Two
In English, we say 'Although it's raining, I'm going out.' In Chinese, you MUST use both: '虽然下雨，但是我要出去.' It feels redundant to English speakers, but it's perfect Chinese grammar!
Don't over-but
If you use `但是` too many times in one paragraph, it sounds repetitive. Try swapping it with `不过` (bùguò) to keep your speech flowing naturally.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'but' or 'however' in Mandarin.
- Commonly paired with 'suīrán' (although) for a complete contrast.
- Works perfectly in both professional emails and casual chats.
What It Means
但是 is your bread and butter for making contrasts. It connects two ideas where the second one surprises or contradicts the first. It is the verbal equivalent of a U-turn. You use it to show that while the first part of your sentence is true, there is a catch coming up next.
How To Use It
Place 但是 at the start of your second clause. It usually follows a comma. A very common pattern is 虽然... 但是... (Although... but...). Even if you drop the 'although', the 但是 stays strong. It works in writing and speaking. It’s like the reliable friend who always tells you the 'real' situation after the pleasantries.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you need to be clear about a contradiction. It’s perfect for negotiating prices at a market. Use it when giving feedback to a colleague. It’s great for texting a friend to say you want to go out, but you’re too tired. It provides a sharp, clear transition that nobody will miss.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to be extremely subtle or soft. In very delicate social situations, 但是 can feel a bit blunt. If you are trying to disagree with a boss very gently, you might prefer 不过 (bùguò), which feels more like a 'however' than a hard 'but'. Also, don't use it to start a brand new conversation out of thin air.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, directness can sometimes be seen as rude. However, 但是 is so fundamental that it’s used everywhere. Interestingly, Chinese speakers often use the 'sandwich' method. They start with a compliment, drop the 但是, and then give the critique. It’s the linguistic sugar-coating that makes the 'but' easier to swallow.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, use 可 (kě) or 可是 (kěshì). If you are writing a formal report, you might see 然而 (rán'ér). If you want to sound a bit more 'street' or breezy, 不过 (bùguò) is your best bet. They all mean 'but', but 但是 is the king of them all.
Usage Notes
Perfect for all levels of formality. Just remember that in very formal writing, `然而` is preferred, and in very casual speech, `可是` is more frequent.
The Power of Two
In English, we say 'Although it's raining, I'm going out.' In Chinese, you MUST use both: '虽然下雨，但是我要出去.' It feels redundant to English speakers, but it's perfect Chinese grammar!
Don't over-but
If you use `但是` too many times in one paragraph, it sounds repetitive. Try swapping it with `不过` (bùguò) to keep your speech flowing naturally.
The Polite Pivot
Chinese people often use `但是` to soften a 'no'. If someone asks for a favor and you say `我很想帮你，但是...`, they immediately know the answer is no, but they appreciate the polite setup.
Examples
6我想吃火锅，但是我不吃辣。
I want to eat hotpot, but I don't eat spicy food.
A classic contrast between a desire and a restriction.
这件衣服很漂亮，但是太贵了。
This clothing is beautiful, but it's too expensive.
The most common way to decline a purchase while being polite.
你的主意很好，但是我们没有预算。
Your idea is great, but we don't have the budget.
Using the 'compliment sandwich' to deliver bad news.
我很想去，但是今天太累了。
I really want to go, but I'm too tired today.
A soft way to decline an invitation.
我以为我很有钱，但是看了银行卡发现我错了。
I thought I was rich, but I looked at my bank card and realized I was wrong.
Using contrast for a self-deprecating joke.
我还是爱他，但是我们不能在一起。
I still love him, but we cannot be together.
Expressing a deep internal conflict.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to connect these two contrasting ideas.
虽然汉语很难，___ 我很喜欢学。
The sentence starts with 'Although' (虽然), which requires 'but' (但是) to complete the contrast.
Complete the sentence to express a limitation.
我想去北京旅游，___ 我没有时间。
The second part explains why the speaker cannot do what they want, requiring a contrastive word.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
The 'But' Spectrum
Used with close friends, often shortened.
可是 (kěshì)
Safe for any situation, spoken or written.
但是 (dànshì)
Used in literature or formal speeches.
然而 (rán'ér)
Where to use 但是
Shopping
Too expensive
Work
Rejecting an idea
Dating
The 'it's not you' talk
Dining
Dietary restrictions
Practice Bank
2 exercises虽然汉语很难，___ 我很喜欢学。
The sentence starts with 'Although' (虽然), which requires 'but' (但是) to complete the contrast.
我想去北京旅游，___ 我没有时间。
The second part explains why the speaker cannot do what they want, requiring a contrastive word.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are almost identical! 但是 is slightly more formal and stronger, while 可是 sounds a bit softer and is more common in casual spoken conversation.
Yes, especially in writing or fast speech. 但 is the short version, but 但是 is more rhythmic and common for beginners to use clearly.
Usually, yes. It connects two thoughts. However, you can start a new sentence with it if you are responding to something someone else just said.
It is neutral. You can use it with your grandma, your boss, or your best friend. It’s never out of place.
In formal writing, use 然而 (rán'ér). It sounds more sophisticated, like 'nevertheless' or 'however' in English.
Not in the same transition. 但是 is for contrast (but), while 所以 is for results (so). Use one or the other depending on your logic.
It's a grammatical 'hook' system. 虽然 (suīrán) prepares the listener for a turn, and 但是 (dànshì) completes that turn. It's considered clearer in Chinese logic.
不过 (bùguò) is slightly less intense. It’s like saying 'it's just that...' or 'mind you...' rather than a hard 'BUT'.
No, in modern Mandarin 但是 only means 'but'. The single character 但 can sometimes mean 'only' in literary contexts, but stick to 'but' for 但是.
Forgetting the comma before it! In Chinese writing, a comma usually separates the two clauses joined by 但是.
Related Phrases
可是 (kěshì) - but (softer)
不过 (bùguò) - however / but (casual)
然而 (rán'ér) - nevertheless (formal)
虽然 (suīrán) - although
却 (què) - yet / but (used after the subject)
