But, however: Use '但是' to connect two contrasting or opposing ideas.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Connects contrasting ideas.
- Used to show a change or opposition.
- Common in everyday speech and writing.
Overview
“但是”是汉语中最常用的表示转折关系的连词之一，属于基础词汇，在日常交流和书面语中都非常普遍。它的主要功能是在两个句子或句子成分之间建立一种对比或转折的逻辑关系，引导听者或读者注意到与前面信息不同的部分。
“但是”通常用在两个分句之间，连接一个表示原因、情况或前提的分句和一个表示结果、评价或对比的分句。其基本结构是：[句子1]，但是，[句子2]。句子2的内容通常与句子1的内容形成对比、转折或补充说明。有时，为了强调转折，可以在“但是”前面加上“可是”、“不过”等词语，但“但是”本身已经足够表达转折的意思。
“但是”出现在各种日常交流场景中，例如：
提出建议或要求：这个主意很好，但是需要更多时间来考虑。
在这些场景中，“但是”都起到了连接相反或转折信息的作用。
“但是”与“可是”、“然而”、“不过”等词语在表示转折方面功能相似，但存在细微差别。
- 可是：与“但是”非常接近，几乎可以互换使用，语气上可能比“但是”稍显口语化一些。
- 然而：比“但是”更书面化，常用于比较正式的场合或书面语，语气也更显郑重。
- 不过：语气相对较轻，常用于表示轻微的转折或补充说明，有时也带有“仅仅”的含义，但作为连词时，与“但是”功能接近。
在A1级别，掌握“但是”是最重要的，因为它最常用且最基础。
Examples
我很想去，但是我现在很忙。
everydayI really want to go, but I am very busy right now.
这个计划听起来不错，但是执行起来可能会有困难。
formalThis plan sounds good, however, implementing it might be difficult.
我想吃冰淇淋，但是天气太冷了。
informalI want to eat ice cream, but the weather is too cold.
研究显示了积极的趋势，但是仍需进一步验证。
academicThe research shows positive trends, but further verification is still needed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
但是
but
但是
however
但是
yet
Often Confused With
'但是' and '可是' are very similar and often interchangeable. '但是' is generally more common and neutral, while '可是' can sometimes feel slightly more informal or conversational.
'然而' is more formal and literary than '但是'. It's typically used in written Chinese or in more serious spoken contexts to create a stronger sense of contrast.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
'但是' is a versatile conjunction suitable for most situations, from casual conversation to formal writing. It's one of the most fundamental words for expressing contrast in Chinese. Ensure it connects two clauses where the second presents a contrast or exception to the first.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '但是' at the very beginning of a sentence, as it should typically connect two distinct clauses. Also, ensure the two clauses being connected actually present a contrast; using it where ideas are parallel or sequential would be incorrect.
Tips
Use '但是' for Contrast
Remember that '但是' introduces something different or opposite to what was just said. Think of it as a bridge between two contrasting ideas.
Avoid Starting Sentences
While tempting, starting a sentence with '但是' is generally not standard Chinese grammar. Place it between the clauses it connects.
Directness in Contrast
Using '但是' is a direct way to show contrast. In Chinese culture, clear expression of differing viewpoints, even with polite conjunctions, is valued for clarity.
Word Origin
The word '但是' is composed of '但' (dàn) and '是' (shì). '但' originally meant 'but' or 'only', and '是' means 'is' or 'yes'. Together, they function as a conjunction to introduce a contrasting statement.
Cultural Context
Expressing disagreement or contrast using '但是' is a common and accepted part of Chinese communication. It allows for directness while maintaining politeness by acknowledging the previous statement before presenting an alternative.
Memory Tip
Think of '但是' as a 'but-ton' you press to switch to the opposite idea. It's the most common button for contrast!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“但是”和“但是”在大多数情况下可以互换使用，它们都表示转折。通常，“但是”更常用，而“可是”在口语中可能更常见一些，语气上可能稍显随意。
一般不建议“但是”用在句首。它主要用于连接两个分句，放在句首会显得不自然。如果需要强调转折，可以考虑使用“然而”等词语，或者调整句子结构。
是的，当“但是”连接两个分句时，通常在“但是”前面加上逗号，以分隔两个句子成分，使句子结构更清晰。
“但是”非常灵活，可以用在几乎所有场合，包括日常对话、写邮件、写文章等。它是汉语中最基础和最常用的转折连词之一。
Test Yourself
我喜欢吃苹果，______我不喜欢吃香蕉。
这句话需要一个表示转折的词语来连接“喜欢吃苹果”和“不喜欢吃香蕉”这两个相反的意思，所以“但是”是最合适的。
他很累，但是他还在工作。
“他很累”和“他还在工作”是两个有对比关系的情况，说明了“但是”在这里起到了转折的作用。
我 / 会 / 汉语 / 但是 / 很难
这个选项将“我会汉语”和“很难”这两个意思连接起来，并且符合“但是”的用法，即在两个分句之间表示转折。
Score: /3
Summary
But, however: Use '但是' to connect two contrasting or opposing ideas.
- Connects contrasting ideas.
- Used to show a change or opposition.
- Common in everyday speech and writing.
Use '但是' for Contrast
Remember that '但是' introduces something different or opposite to what was just said. Think of it as a bridge between two contrasting ideas.
Avoid Starting Sentences
While tempting, starting a sentence with '但是' is generally not standard Chinese grammar. Place it between the clauses it connects.
Directness in Contrast
Using '但是' is a direct way to show contrast. In Chinese culture, clear expression of differing viewpoints, even with polite conjunctions, is valued for clarity.
Examples
4 of 4我很想去，但是我现在很忙。
I really want to go, but I am very busy right now.
这个计划听起来不错，但是执行起来可能会有困难。
This plan sounds good, however, implementing it might be difficult.
我想吃冰淇淋，但是天气太冷了。
I want to eat ice cream, but the weather is too cold.
研究显示了积极的趋势，但是仍需进一步验证。
The research shows positive trends, but further verification is still needed.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
