But in Chinese: 但是, 可是, 不过 (and Which One to Use)

沉浸 TeamOctober 15, 20265 min read

But in Chinese is 但是 (dànshì). It goes at the start of the second clause, just like English: 我想去，但是我没有时间 (wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān), "I want to go, but I don't have time." If you learn one word for "but", learn this one.

You'll also hear 可是 (kěshì) and 不过 (búguò) constantly, and they aren't quite the same. This guide covers all three, the 虽然…但是 pattern, and the formal words for "however", as part of our essential Chinese phrases guide.

How to say and write but in Chinese

Characters: 但是
Pinyin: dànshì (fourth tone, fourth tone). Two falling tones in a row, so say it firmly.
Short form: 但 (dàn) on its own, common in writing and in quick speech.

但 (dàn) means "but" or "only", and 是 (shì) is "to be", so 但是 is roughly "but it is the case that". You don't need to think about that when you use it. Print it on our free character practice sheets if you want the stroke order.

但是 vs 可是 vs 不过: which one to use

All three mean "but". The difference is weight and formality:

但是 (dànshì): the neutral default. Works in speech and writing. Puts a clear contrast on the table. 这个菜很好吃，但是太辣了 (zhège cài hěn hǎochī, dànshì tài là le), "This dish is tasty, but too spicy."
可是 (kěshì): the spoken one. Same meaning as 但是, a bit softer, and more common in conversation than in formal writing. 我很想帮你，可是我也不会 (wǒ hěn xiǎng bāng nǐ, kěshì wǒ yě bú huì), "I'd love to help you, but I don't know how either."
不过 (búguò): the light one, closer to "though" or "mind you". It adds a small qualification rather than a strong contrast. 他很聪明，不过有点懒 (tā hěn cōngmíng, búguò yǒudiǎn lǎn), "He's smart, though a little lazy."

A simple rule: if you'd say "but" with some force, use 但是. If you'd say "though" at the end of a sentence, use 不过. In casual chat, 可是 fits anywhere 但是 does.

The 虽然…但是 pattern (although... but...)

This is the "but" sentence Chinese learners meet first, and it breaks an English rule on purpose. Chinese says "although X, but Y", with both words:

虽然很贵，但是很好吃。 (Suīrán hěn guì, dànshì hěn hǎochī.) Although it's expensive, it's delicious.
虽然我学了三年，但是还说不好。 (Suīrán wǒ xué le sān nián, dànshì hái shuō bu hǎo.) Even though I've studied three years, I still can't speak well.

In English, "although... but..." is a mistake. In Chinese, it's the standard form, the same way 因为…所以 keeps both "because" and "so". You can drop 虽然 and keep 但是, or keep 虽然 and swap 但是 for 可是 / 不过 / 却. What you can't do is drop the "but" word entirely in a formal sentence. Our grammar lesson on concession with 虽然…但是 has more examples.

却, 而, 然而: the formal "but" and "however"

Three more words show up in writing, news, and speeches:

却 (què): yet, but. This one is an adverb, so it goes after the subject and before the verb, never at the front of the clause. 他很有钱，却很小气 (tā hěn yǒu qián, què hěn xiǎoqì), "He's rich, yet stingy." It often pairs with 但是: 但是他却没来, "but he didn't come."
而 (ér): whereas, while. Contrasts two things side by side in writing. 南方人喜欢吃米饭，而北方人喜欢吃面 (nánfāng rén xǐhuan chī mǐfàn, ér běifāng rén xǐhuan chī miàn), "Southerners like rice, whereas northerners like noodles." 而 also means "and" in some sentences; see our guide to and in Chinese.
然而 (rán'ér): however. Formal and written. Starts a new sentence the way "However," does in an essay.

"It's just that...": 只是 and 就是

Two more phrases soften a "but" into an excuse or a small objection:

只是 (zhǐshì): it's just that. 我想去，只是太远了 (wǒ xiǎng qù, zhǐshì tài yuǎn le), "I'd like to go, it's just too far."
就是 (jiùshì): same idea, very spoken. 房子不错，就是有点小 (fángzi búcuò, jiùshì yǒudiǎn xiǎo), "The place is nice, it's just a bit small."

"But" meaning "except"

English "but" sometimes means "except": "everyone but me". Chinese uses a different word for that, 除了 (chúle): 除了我，大家都去了 (chúle wǒ, dàjiā dōu qù le), "Everyone went but me." Don't reach for 但是 here.

Quick reference

Everyday "but": 但是 (dànshì), 可是 (kěshì)
"Though", a light contrast: 不过 (búguò)
"Although... but...": 虽然…但是 (suīrán… dànshì)
Written "yet": 却 (què), after the subject
Written "whereas" / "however": 而 (ér), 然而 (rán'ér)
"It's just that": 只是 (zhǐshì), 就是 (jiùshì)
"But" = "except": 除了 (chúle)

The fastest way to feel which "but" fits is to see them in real sentences. A free Chenjin account gives you graded stories where you can tap any 但是, 可是 or 不过 for its meaning and audio, and save the sentence as a flashcard. Sign up free to start reading.

FAQ

How do you say but in Mandarin?

但是 (dànshì). In conversation you'll also hear 可是 (kěshì), and 不过 (búguò) for a lighter "though".

What's the difference between 但是 and 可是?

Almost none in meaning. 可是 is a little softer and more spoken; 但是 works everywhere, including formal writing.

What does bu guo mean?

不过 (búguò) means "but" or "though", usually for a small qualification. It can also mean "only" or "no more than", as in 不过是个玩笑 (búguò shì ge wánxiào), "it's only a joke".

Is it wrong to use 虽然 and 但是 in the same sentence?

No. 虽然…但是 ("although... but...") is the standard Chinese pattern, even though the English translation can't keep both words.

How do you say however in Chinese?

然而 (rán'ér) in formal writing, 不过 (búguò) in speech. 却 (què) means "yet" and goes after the subject rather than at the start of the clause.