但是 (dànshì) — but; however

但是 (dànshì)

但是 is a conjunction meaning "but" or "however." It introduces a contrasting idea that counters or qualifies what was just said.

Meanings

1. [conjunction] But; however; yet (expressing contrast or contradiction between two clauses).

Example Sentences

这件衣服很漂亮，但是太贵了。 Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn piàoliang, dànshì tài guì le. This dress is very pretty, but it is too expensive.

他很聪明，但是不努力。 Tā hěn cōngmíng, dànshì bù nǔlì. He is very intelligent, but he does not work hard.

我想去，但是没有时间。 Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì méiyǒu shíjiān. I want to go, but I do not have time.

今天天气不好，但是我们还是去了。 Jīntiān tiānqì bù hǎo, dànshì wǒmen háishì qù le. The weather was not good today, but we still went.

Usage Notes

但是 can often be shortened to 但 (dàn) in formal or written Chinese with no change in meaning. It is commonly paired with 虽然 (suīrán, although) to form the pattern 虽然……但是…… (although... nevertheless...). 但是 always begins the second clause, not the first. A similar word 可是 (kěshì) is more colloquial and slightly softer in tone.

Collocations or Common Phrases

Memory Hook

但 sounds like "done" — you thought you were done, but there is more to say.