But / However — 但 & 但是
Overview
但 (dàn) and 但是 (dànshì) introduce a contrast, exception, or unexpected turn. 但是 is the full form (slightly more formal); 但 is a shortened, often written variant. Both work identically in most contexts. They sit at the junction between two clauses — the first sets up an expectation, the second contradicts or limits it.
Pattern(s)
| Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|
[Clause A], 但是 [Clause B] | Full-form contrast; most common in speech & writing |
[Clause A], 但 [Clause B] | Shortened; natural in writing; slightly abrupt in speech |
Unlike English “although…but,” Mandarin uses 但是 alone (no paired opener needed). The concession opener (虽然) is a separate, optional intensifier — see 虽然…但是.
Core Examples
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我想去，但是我没时间。 | Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ méi shíjiān. | I want to go, but I don’t have time. |
| 我想去，但是没钱。 | Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì méi qián. | I want to go, but (I have) no money. |
| 这本书很有趣，但是有点贵。 | Zhè běn shū hěn yǒuqù, dànshì yǒudiǎn guì. | This book is interesting, but a bit expensive. |
| 我想吃火锅，但是最近上火。 | Wǒ xiǎng chī huǒguō, dànshì zuìjìn shàng huǒ. | I want to eat hotpot, but I’ve been having too much heat lately. |
| 天气冷，但是很晴朗。 | Tiānqì lěng, dànshì hěn qínglǎng. | The weather is cold, but it’s very clear. |
Pitfalls
❌ Confusing 但是 (contrast) with 因为 (cause)
我想吃火锅，因为最近上火。 Incorrect — 因为 introduces a reason, not a contrast. Use 但是 when the second clause limits or opposes the first.
❌ Adding 虽然 without completing the pair
虽然难，但是有用。✅ (pair complete) 虽然难，有用。❌ (虽然 requires 但是/可是/还是 to close the pair)
Minimal Pairs
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Register | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 但是 | dànshì | But / However | Neutral | Most common |
| 但 | dàn | But | Slightly written | Shortened form of 但是 |
| 可是 | kěshì | However | Softer | More emotional, sympathetic tone |
| 不过 | búguò | But / Though | Casual | Like “though” in English; downplays contrast |
Use 可是 when you want to soften a refusal or express empathy. Use 不过 when the contrast is minor (“it’s fine, though…”).
Drills
Choose 但/但是 or 因为:
- 我想吃火锅，_____ 最近上火。
- 这本书很有趣，_____ 有点贵。
- 他很累，_____ 还是完成了工作。
- _____ 下雨了，比赛取消了。
- 她学习很努力，_____ 考试没有通过。
Answer Key: 1. 但是 2. 但是 3. 但是 4. 因为 5. 但是
Notes
- 但 alone is more common in formal writing (news articles, essays). In everyday speech, 但是 or 可是 is more natural.
- 不过 is useful when making a reservation that is relatively minor: 这个餐厅不错，不过有点贵。(“This restaurant is good, though a bit pricey.”)
Sources
- HSK Level: 2
- Mandarin Grammar References — Conjunctions chapter