但是 (dànshì) — But / however
HSK 4 | conjunction | introducing a contrast or exception
但是 (dànshì)
但是 is one of the most common conjunctions in Chinese, used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement — equivalent to "but" or "however" in English.
Meanings
- [conjunction] but, however, yet (introduces contrast or an opposing point)
Example Sentences
这道菜很好吃，但是太辣了。 Zhè dào cài hěn hǎochī, dànshì tài là le. This dish is delicious, but it is too spicy.
他很努力，但是成绩还是不够好。 Tā hěn nǔlì, dànshì chéngjì háishì bùgòu hǎo. He works very hard, but his grades are still not good enough.
我想去，但是没有时间。 Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì méiyǒu shíjiān. I want to go, but I don't have time.
价格很贵，但是质量非常好。 Jiàgé hěn guì, dànshì zhìliàng fēicháng hǎo. The price is high, but the quality is excellent.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 虽然…但是 | although… but |
| 但是呢 | but (with a pause/emphasis) |
| 不是…但是 | not… but |
| 想…但是 | want to… but |
Usage Notes
但是 is more emphatic than 不过 and is used in both spoken and written Chinese. It frequently pairs with 虽然 (although) in the structure 虽然…但是… to express concession and contrast. In formal writing, 然而 or 但 alone may replace 但是.
Memory Hook
但是 = 但 (but) + 是 (is/yes) — it confirms the previous statement is true, then pivots: "Yes, that is true, BUT..."