dànshì: 但是 - But, However

• Keywords: 但是, danshi, dànshì, how to say but in Chinese, Chinese word for however, using but in Mandarin, Chinese conjunctions, difference between 但是 and 可是, suiran danshi, HSK 2 grammar
• Summary: Learn how to use “但是” (dànshì), the most common and essential way to say “but” or “however” in Mandarin Chinese. This comprehensive guide covers its core meaning, cultural nuances, and practical examples, helping you master this fundamental HSK 2 conjunction. Discover the subtle differences between 但是, 可是, and other related words to express contrast like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dànshì
• Part of Speech: Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: “But” or “however,” used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has just been said.
• In a Nutshell: “但是” is your go-to word for “but” in Chinese. It's a straightforward and widely used conjunction that signals a turn in the conversation or a contrasting idea. If you want to say “A is true, *but* B is also true,” “但是” is almost always the right word to connect them. It is fundamental for expressing complex thoughts beyond simple statements.

• 但 (dàn): This character can mean “only,” “merely,” or “but.” Think of it as singling something out as an exception or a special case.
• 是 (shì): This is the ubiquitous verb “to be” (is, am, are). It affirms that something exists or is true.
• The two characters combine to create a sense of “only this is [the contrasting reality].” It acknowledges the first part of the sentence but pivots to present a different, often more important, fact. For example, in “It's nice, but expensive,” the “but” sets up the “expensive” part as the crucial contrasting reality.

While “但是” is a simple conjunction, its usage can reflect Chinese cultural communication norms that often prioritize harmony and indirectness. In many Western cultures, a direct “no” is common, but in Chinese culture, it can sometimes be seen as blunt or disruptive. “但是” is a powerful tool for softening a refusal or disagreement. Instead of directly rejecting an idea, a person might first offer a point of agreement or a compliment, followed by “但是” to introduce their true objection. For example, a colleague might say: “你这个计划很好，但是我们可能没有足够的预算。” (Nǐ zhège jìhuà hěn hǎo, dànshì wǒmen kěnéng méiyǒu zúgòu de yùsuàn.) “This plan of yours is very good, but we might not have enough budget.” This approach preserves “face” (面子, miànzi) for both parties. It shows that the speaker has carefully considered the idea before pointing out a flaw, making the criticism feel less confrontational and more constructive. It's a subtle but important way of navigating social and professional interactions harmoniously.

“但是” is extremely versatile and used across all contexts, from casual chats to formal academic papers.

• In Conversation: It's used constantly in daily life to express contrasting ideas, make excuses, or state preferences. It's considered neutral in formality—not overly stiff, but more formal than its close cousin 可是 (kěshì).
• In Business and Formal Settings: “但是” is perfectly appropriate for business meetings, presentations, and written reports. It clearly and professionally introduces a counterpoint, a risk, or a contrasting factor.
• On Social Media: You will see “但是” everywhere online, in blog posts, comments, and private messages. Its clear, strong sense of contrast makes it effective for making a point in text.

The key is that “但是” presents a relatively strong and often objective contrast. If you are stating a simple fact that turns against a previous statement, “但是” is an excellent choice.

• Example 1:
  • 我想去旅游，但是我没有钱。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng qù lǚyóu, dànshì wǒ méiyǒu qián.
  • English: I want to travel, but I don't have money.
  • Analysis: A classic example of desire versus reality. “但是” introduces the objective fact (lack of money) that prevents the desire from being fulfilled.
• Example 2:
  • 这件衣服很漂亮，但是太贵了。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn piàoliang, dànshì tài guì le.
  • English: This piece of clothing is very beautiful, but it's too expensive.
  • Analysis: A common sentence when shopping. The first clause is a positive observation, and “但是” introduces the negative factor that influences the final decision.
• Example 3:
  • 他虽然很累，但是他还是坚持完成了工作。
  • Pinyin: Tā suīrán hěn lèi, dànshì tā háishì jiānchí wánchéngle gōngzuò.
  • English: Although he was very tired, he still persisted and finished the work.
  • Analysis: This shows the common and important “虽然…但是…” (suīrán…dànshì…) pattern, which means “although…but…”. Unlike in English, the “但是” is not optional in Chinese when you start a sentence with “虽然”.
• Example 4:
  • 我知道你不喜欢他，但是你得跟他合作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhīdào nǐ bù xǐhuān tā, dànshì nǐ děi gēn tā hézuò.
  • English: I know you don't like him, but you have to cooperate with him.
  • Analysis: Here, “但是” is used to set aside a personal feeling in favor of a necessary action or obligation.
• Example 5:
  • 学中文很有意思，但是汉字有点儿难。
  • Pinyin: Xué Zhōngwén hěn yǒu yìsi, dànshì Hànzì yǒudiǎnr nán.
  • English: Learning Chinese is very interesting, but the characters are a bit difficult.
  • Analysis: This expresses a mixed opinion, balancing a positive aspect with a challenging one.
• Example 6:
  • 餐厅的环境不错，但是服务员的态度不太好。
  • Pinyin: Cāntīng de huánjìng búcuò, dànshì fúwùyuán de tàidù bú tài hǎo.
  • English: The restaurant's atmosphere is good, but the waiter's attitude isn't very good.
  • Analysis: This is a typical way to give a balanced review, pointing out both pros and cons.
• Example 7:
  • 你的道歉我接受，但是我暂时还不想见你。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de dàoqiàn wǒ jiēshòu, dànshì wǒ zànshí hái bù xiǎng jiàn nǐ.
  • English: I accept your apology, but I don't want to see you for the time being.
  • Analysis: “但是” is used here to draw a clear boundary. It accepts one point (the apology) while firmly stating a contrasting feeling or condition.
• Example 8:
  • 这个手机的功能很多，但是我很少用。
  • Pinyin: Zhège shǒujī de gōngnéng hěn duō, dànshì wǒ hěn shǎo yòng.
  • English: This phone has a lot of features, but I rarely use them.
  • Analysis: This example contrasts potential or capability with actual usage.
• Example 9:
  • 他看起来很年轻，但是他已经五十岁了。
  • Pinyin: Tā kànqǐlái hěn niánqīng, dànshì tā yǐjīng wǔshí suì le.
  • English: He looks very young, but he is already 50 years old.
  • Analysis: A perfect use of “但是” to contrast appearance with reality.
• Example 10:
  • 谢谢你的邀请，但是我那天已经有安排了。
  • Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de yāoqǐng, dànshì wǒ nàtiān yǐjīng yǒu ānpái le.
  • English: Thank you for your invitation, but I already have plans that day.
  • Analysis: A polite and common way to decline an invitation, following the cultural pattern of being indirect.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 但是 (dànshì) and 可是 (kěshì). Both translate to “but.”

• 但是 (dànshì): Stronger tone, more objective, slightly more formal. It's used to state a contrasting fact or reason. Think of it as a firm “however.”
  • e.g., 这个理论听起来不错，但是缺乏证据。(This theory sounds good, but it lacks evidence.) - Stating an objective fact.
• 可是 (kěshì): Softer tone, more subjective, more colloquial. It's often used to express a personal feeling, an excuse, or a gentler turn in conversation. It can sometimes carry a “what a pity” feeling.
  • e.g., 我好想去啊，可是我妈妈不让我去。(I really want to go, but my mom won't let me.) - Expressing a personal predicament or excuse.

Common Mistake: Using “但是” in a situation that calls for a softer, more personal tone. While technically not always “wrong,” using “可是” can make your Chinese sound more natural and emotionally appropriate in casual contexts. Incorrect: 我很喜欢你，但是我觉得我们不合适。 (Wǒ hěn xǐhuān nǐ, dànshì wǒ juéde wǒmen bù héshì.) More Natural: 我很喜欢你，可是我觉得我们不合适。 (Wǒ hěn xǐhuān nǐ, kěshì wǒ juéde wǒmen bù héshì.) Why: The situation of telling someone you like them but can't be with them is highly personal and emotional. The softer, more regretful tone of “可是” fits the mood better than the factual, objective tone of “但是”.

• 可是 (kěshì) - A more colloquial and slightly weaker synonym for “but,” often used to express a personal excuse or a softer contrast.
• 不过 (búguò) - Another informal alternative to “but,” often milder, similar to “though” or “however.” It can be used to gently introduce a minor objection or afterthought.
• 然而 (rán'ér) - A very formal word for “however” or “nevertheless.” It is almost exclusively used in written Chinese and formal speeches.
• 虽然 (suīrán) - “Although” or “though.” It is almost always used in the structure `虽然…但是…` to mean “Although…, (but)…”.
• 反而 (fǎn'ér) - “On the contrary,” “instead.” Used when the result is the opposite of what one would expect.
• 所以 (suǒyǐ) - “So,” “therefore.” This shows a cause-and-effect relationship, which is the logical opposite of the contrast shown by 但是.
• 而且 (érqiě) - “Moreover,” “and also.” This is an additive conjunction, used to add another point, as opposed to a contrasting one.