Question 1

What does 但是 mean in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

但是 (dànshì) is the standard Chinese conjunction for 'but' or 'however,' used to introduce a contrast or unexpected turn. It almost always sits at the start of the second clause: 我想去，但是没有时间 ('I want to go, but I don't have time'). Two things to know: first, 但是 very often pairs with 虽然 (suīrán, 'although') in the first clause — 虽然...但是...

is one of the most common Chinese sentence patterns and using both together is normal, not redundant the way it would be in English. Second, in casual speech native speakers shorten 但是 to 但 (dàn) or use 不过 (bùguò) for a softer, more conversational 'but.' 可是 (kěshì) is a near-equivalent that feels slightly warmer and more spoken.

Question 2

How do you pronounce 但是?

Accepted Answer

但是 is pronounced dànshì — 但 (dàn), 是 (shì).

Question 3

Is 但是 a noun, verb, or something else?

Accepted Answer

但是 is a conjunction, register: neutral.

Question 4

What's the difference between 但是 and 但?

Accepted Answer

但 alone is the shortened literary version of 但是 — common in writing, signs, and set phrases (如有问题，但请联系我们). In speech 但是 is more natural.

Question 5

What's the difference between 但是 and 因为?

Accepted Answer

因为 means 'because' — introduces a cause, not a contrast. Pairs with 所以 (suǒyǐ, 'so'), not with 但是. Beginners sometimes mix the two paired patterns up.

但是

What does 但是 mean?

Character breakdown

Example sentences

Common phrases with 但是

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Synonyms

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FAQ

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