In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'but' in Chinese conversations.
- Used to introduce a contrasting idea or a polite refusal.
- Slightly softer and more spoken than the formal 'danshi'.
Meaning
This is the classic way to say 'but' or 'however' when you want to pivot the conversation or offer a different opinion. It’s that little word that signals a change in direction is coming.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a dinner invitation
我很想去，可是我今天太累了。
I really want to go, but I'm too tired today.
Shopping for clothes
这件衣服很漂亮，可是太贵了。
This piece of clothing is beautiful, but it's too expensive.
In a business meeting
你的主意很好，可是我们需要考虑成本。
Your idea is great, but we need to consider the cost.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 'saving face' is crucial. `可是` acts as a buffer that allows speakers to acknowledge someone's request or a positive fact before delivering a contradiction or refusal. It is one of the most frequently used conjunctions in modern Mandarin, bridging the gap between traditional politeness and direct modern communication.
The 'Softener' Secret
If you need to say 'No' in China, always start with a compliment or a positive statement, then follow up with `可是`. It makes you sound much more polite and culturally aware.
Don't Double Up
In English, we sometimes say 'Although... but...'. In Chinese, if you use `虽然` (although), you MUST use `可是` or `但是` later, but don't use them both in the same clause!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'but' in Chinese conversations.
- Used to introduce a contrasting idea or a polite refusal.
- Slightly softer and more spoken than the formal 'danshi'.
What It Means
可是 is your go-to word for creating contrast. It’s the bridge between two ideas that don't quite match up. Think of it as the 'record scratch' in a sentence. You say something positive, then use 可是 to drop the reality check. It is slightly more emphatic than 但是. It feels a bit more spoken and natural in daily life.
How To Use It
Place 可是 at the start of your second clause. It works just like 'but' in English. You can use it to disagree politely. You can use it to express a hesitation. Often, it follows a comma. For example: 'I want to go, 可是 I have no money.' It’s simple, effective, and very common.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to explain a conflict. Use it at a restaurant when the food looks great, but you're full. Use it with friends when they suggest a plan you can't join. It’s perfect for texting when you need to let someone down easy. It’s also great for professional settings to show you’ve considered one side but have another point.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to sound extremely formal or literary. In very academic writing, 然而 might be a better fit. Avoid using it if the contrast is very weak. If you are just adding information, use 'and' instead. Also, don't overthink it—if you say it too fast, it might sound like you're just stuttering!
Cultural Background
Chinese communication is often indirect. 可是 is a vital tool for 'softening' a 'no'. Instead of saying 'I won't go,' you say 'I want to go, 可是...' This allows the other person to save face. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a gentle nudge rather than a shove. It shows you acknowledge the first part before presenting the obstacle.
Common Variations
但是 is its twin brother; they are almost interchangeable. 但 is the shorter, snappier version often used in writing. 不过 is a bit softer, like saying 'it's just that...' or 'however.' If you want to be really dramatic, you can say 可是但是 (though that's mostly for comedic effect or when you're really flustered).
Usage Notes
Perfect for daily conversation and standard writing. It is neutral in formality and very safe to use in almost any situation where a contrast is needed.
The 'Softener' Secret
If you need to say 'No' in China, always start with a compliment or a positive statement, then follow up with `可是`. It makes you sound much more polite and culturally aware.
Don't Double Up
In English, we sometimes say 'Although... but...'. In Chinese, if you use `虽然` (although), you MUST use `可是` or `但是` later, but don't use them both in the same clause!
The Spoken Vibe
Native speakers often drag out the 'shì' in `kěshì...` when they are thinking of an excuse. It sounds like 'Kěshìiiii....'—give it a try to sound more natural!
Examples
6我很想去，可是我今天太累了。
I really want to go, but I'm too tired today.
A classic polite refusal using the 'softening' effect.
这件衣服很漂亮，可是太贵了。
This piece of clothing is beautiful, but it's too expensive.
Expressing a conflict between desire and reality.
你的主意很好，可是我们需要考虑成本。
Your idea is great, but we need to consider the cost.
Professional way to introduce a constraint.
电影很好看，可是太长了！
The movie was good, but it was so long!
Casual critique of an experience.
我想减肥，可是我爱火锅。
I want to lose weight, but I love hotpot.
Relatable struggle used for humor.
我爱你，可是我们不能在一起。
I love you, but we can't be together.
High emotional stakes using a simple contrast.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'I like this phone, ___ it's too big.'
我喜欢这个手机，___ 它太大了。
The second part of the sentence contrasts with the first, so 'but' (可是) is required.
Which word fits best for a polite refusal?
我想帮你，___ 我现在没时间。
You are expressing a desire to help followed by a reason why you can't, necessitating a 'but'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'But' in Chinese
Very casual, soft, like 'it's just that...'
很好，不过有点贵。
Neutral, common in speech and daily life.
我想去，可是没钱。
Slightly more formal, clear contrast.
他很聪明，但是不努力。
Formal, used in literature and speeches.
任务艰巨，然而我们成功了。
When to drop a 'Kěshì'
Shopping
Too expensive!
Dating
You're nice, but...
Work
Good plan, but budget...
Dieting
Hungry, but calories...
Practice Bank
2 exercises我喜欢这个手机，___ 它太大了。
The second part of the sentence contrasts with the first, so 'but' (可是) is required.
我想帮你，___ 我现在没时间。
You are expressing a desire to help followed by a reason why you can't, necessitating a 'but'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are very similar! 但是 is slightly more formal and stronger, while 可是 is more common in spoken conversation and feels a bit softer.
Yes, you can! Just like in English, you can start a new sentence with 'But...' to emphasize the contrast with what was just said.
Yes, it's perfectly neutral. However, in a very formal presentation, you might prefer 但是 or even 然而.
99% of the time, yes. Occasionally, it can be used for emphasis in phrases like 可是呢 (but you see...), but 'but' is the safest translation.
In informal speech or songs, yes. But as a B1 learner, stick to 可是 to ensure you are clearly understood.
This is a standard grammar pattern meaning 'Although... but...'. Example: 虽然很累，可是我很开心 (Although tired, but I'm happy).
Absolutely. It's very common. You might even see people just type 'ks' in very lazy internet slang, though it's rare.
The 'kě' is third tone and 'shì' is fourth. In fast speech, the 'shì' often becomes shorter and lighter.
Both 可是 and 但是 cover 'however'. If you want something even softer, use 不过 (bùguò).
Try to vary it! If you use it every sentence, you'll sound like a repetitive toddler. Mix in some 但是 or 不过.
Related Phrases
但是 (dànshì) - But (slightly more formal)
不过 (bùguò) - However / but (softer)
虽然 (suīrán) - Although
然而 (rán'ér) - Nevertheless / however (formal)
却 (què) - But / yet (used after the subject)
