kěshì: 可是 - But, However

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• Summary: Learn how to use “可是” (kěshì), one of the most common and essential ways to say “but” or “however” in Mandarin Chinese. This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, cultural nuances, and practical usage, with 10 clear example sentences. Understand the subtle differences between 可是 (kěshì), 但是 (dànshì), and 不过 (búguò) to make your Chinese sound more natural and authentic.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kěshì
• Part of Speech: Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: A conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or is contrary to what was said before; “but”, “however”.
• In a Nutshell: “可是” is your everyday go-to word for “but”. It's a fundamental conjunction that signals a turn in the conversation. You use it to connect two ideas where the second part presents a problem, an exception, an unexpected result, or a contrasting thought to the first part. It's the glue for expressing more complex ideas beyond simple statements.

• 可 (kě): This character's core meaning is “can,” “able to,” or “possible.” It often implies permission or potential. Think of it as giving a nod to a possibility.
• 是 (shì): This is the most common verb in Chinese, meaning “to be” (is, am, are, was, were). It confirms a state of being or a fact.
• The combination “可是” literally suggests something like “it can be that…” or “it is possible that…”. When used as a conjunction, it carries this feeling of acknowledging the first part of the sentence (“That first part is valid/possible…”) before introducing the contrasting reality (“…but this is the situation.”). This makes the contrast feel slightly softer and more conversational.

While a simple conjunction like “可是” doesn't carry the same philosophical weight as terms like 关系 (guānxi), its usage reflects an important aspect of Chinese communication culture: maintaining harmony and showing consideration. In Western, particularly American, culture, “but” can sometimes feel very direct and dismissive of the preceding clause. For example, “Your idea is good, but it won't work.” The focus immediately shifts to the negative. In Chinese, “可是” can soften this turn. By acknowledging the first clause (the “可” part), it shows that you've heard and considered the other person's point before introducing your own contrasting view or obstacle. It creates a smoother transition. For example, in a sentence like “这个主意很好，可是我们没有钱” (Zhège zhǔyi hěn hǎo, kěshì wǒmen méiyǒu qián - “This idea is good, but we don't have money”), the “可是” serves to validate the initial statement (“the idea is good”) before gently presenting the pragmatic barrier. This indirectness is a common feature in communication aimed at preserving social harmony or “face” (面子).

“可是” is extremely common and versatile in everyday spoken and written Chinese.

• Expressing a Conflict: It's the primary way to connect a desire with a limitation.
  • “I want to go, but I'm busy.” (我想去，可是我很忙。)
• Making Excuses or Refusals: It's a polite way to turn something down by first acknowledging the positive or agreeing in principle.
  • “The invitation sounds great, but I have other plans.” (你的邀请听起来很棒，可是我有别的安排了。)
• Introducing an Unexpected Outcome: It connects an expectation with a different reality.
  • “I thought it would be easy, but it's actually very difficult.” (我以为会很简单，可是其实很难。)
• Formality: “可是” is a neutral term that fits perfectly in daily conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It is slightly more conversational and common in spoken language than its close synonym 但是 (dànshì), which can feel a bit more formal or emphatic.

• Example 1:
  • 我很想去旅游，可是我没有时间。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ hěn xiǎng qù lǚyóu, kěshì wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.
  • English: I really want to go traveling, but I don't have time.
  • Analysis: A classic example of desire versus a practical limitation. This is one of the most common uses of “可是”.
• Example 2:
  • 这件衣服很好看，可是太贵了。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn hǎokàn, kěshì tài guì le.
  • English: This piece of clothing looks great, but it's too expensive.
  • Analysis: Used here to contrast a positive quality (looks) with a negative one (price).
• Example 3:
  • 他说他会来，可是我们等了很久他也没出现。
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā huì lái, kěshì wǒmen děng le hěn jiǔ tā yě méi chūxiàn.
  • English: He said he would come, but we waited for a long time and he didn't show up.
  • Analysis: This sentence sets up an expectation in the first clause and uses “可是” to introduce the contrasting, unexpected reality.
• Example 4:
  • 我知道你是为我好，可是我真的不想这么做。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhīdào nǐ shì wèi wǒ hǎo, kěshì wǒ zhēn de bù xiǎng zhème zuò.
  • English: I know you mean well for me, but I really don't want to do it this way.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the gentle, harmony-preserving function. The speaker first acknowledges the other person's good intentions before stating their own conflicting feelings.
• Example 5:
  • 南方的冬天不冷，可是没有暖气，感觉比北方还冷。
  • Pinyin: Nánfāng de dōngtiān bù lěng, kěshì méiyǒu nuǎnqì, gǎnjué bǐ běifāng hái lěng.
  • English: The winters in the south aren't cold, but without central heating, it feels even colder than the north.
  • Analysis: “可是” is used here to introduce a paradox or a surprising counterpoint to a general statement.
• Example 6:
  • 我们想买那套公寓，可是我们的钱不够付首付。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xiǎng mǎi nà tào gōngyù, kěshì wǒmen de qián bùgòu fù shǒufù.
  • English: We want to buy that apartment, but we don't have enough money for the down payment.
  • Analysis: Another common use expressing a goal that is blocked by a financial obstacle.
• Example 7:
  • 我喜欢这个城市，可是空气污染有点严重。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuān zhège chéngshì, kěshì kōngqì wūrǎn yǒudiǎn yánzhòng.
  • English: I like this city, but the air pollution is a bit serious.
  • Analysis: Perfect for expressing mixed feelings about a place, person, or thing.
• Example 8:
  • 他学习很努力，可是成绩一直不太理想。
  • Pinyin: Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, kěshì chéngjì yīzhí bù tài lǐxiǎng.
  • English: He studies very hard, but his grades have never been very ideal.
  • Analysis: This highlights a contrast between effort and result, a common scenario in life and conversation.
• Example 9:
  • 这家餐厅的菜味道不错，可是上菜太慢了。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài wèidào bùcuò, kěshì shàng cài tài màn le.
  • English: The food at this restaurant tastes pretty good, but they are too slow in serving the dishes.
  • Analysis: Used to give a balanced review, stating a positive point before introducing a negative one.
• Example 10:
  • 你可以看电视，可是你必须先写完作业。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ kàn diànshì, kěshì nǐ bìxū xiān xiě wán zuòyè.
  • English: You can watch TV, but you must finish your homework first.
  • Analysis: Here, “可是” introduces a condition that must be met. It connects permission with a requirement.

The biggest challenge for learners is choosing between the three main words for “but”: 可是 (kěshì), 但是 (dànshì), and 不过 (búguò).

• `可是 (kěshì)` vs. `但是 (dànshì)`:
  • These two are very close and often interchangeable. 95% of the time, you can use either one without a problem.
  • Tone: `可是` is generally considered slightly softer, more spoken, and more conversational. `但是` is a bit more neutral or formal and can imply a stronger, more definite contrast.
  • Example:
    • 我爱你，可是我们不能在一起。(Wǒ ài nǐ, kěshì wǒmen bùnéng zài yīqǐ.) - “I love you, but we can't be together.” (Sounds a bit more emotional, perhaps regretful).
    • 我爱你，但是我们不能在一起。(Wǒ ài nǐ, dànshì wǒmen bùnéng zài yīqǐ.) - “I love you, but we can't be together.” (Sounds more like a firm, unchangeable statement).
• `可是 (kěshì)` vs. `不过 (búguò)`:
  • `不过 (búguò)` is the softest and most casual of the three. It's often used to introduce a minor contradictory point, an afterthought, or a gentle suggestion. Think of it as “however…” or “…though.”
  • Incorrect Usage: Don't use `不过` for very strong or serious contrasts.
  • Example: 这件衣服不错，不过有点儿大。(Zhè jiàn yīfu bùcuò, búguò yǒudiǎnr dà.) - “This shirt is nice, though it's a little big.” Using `可是` here would also be fine, but `不过` makes the objection feel less significant.
• Common Mistake: Forgetting the conjunction entirely. In English, you can sometimes connect contrasting clauses with just a comma (“He's smart, he's lazy.”). In Chinese, this is grammatically incorrect. You almost always need a conjunction like `可是` or `但是` to explicitly mark the contrast.

• 但是 (dànshì) - The most direct synonym for “but” or “however.” It is slightly more formal and can imply a stronger contrast than `可是`.
• 不过 (búguò) - A softer, more casual synonym, similar to “however” or “though.” It's used to introduce a less significant contrasting point.
• 然而 (rán'ér) - A very formal and literary word for “however” or “nevertheless,” primarily used in writing, not in everyday speech.
• 虽然 (suīrán) - Means “although” or “even though.” It often appears in the first clause of a sentence where `可是` or `但是` appears in the second, creating the “Although…, but…” pattern (e.g., 虽然他很累，可是他还在工作).
• 因为 (yīnwèi) - Means “because.” It explains a reason, serving the opposite function of `可是`, which introduces a contrast.
• 所以 (suǒyǐ) - Means “so” or “therefore.” It shows a logical result or conclusion, contrasting with the turn or pivot signaled by `可是`.
• 而且 (érqiě) - Means “furthermore” or “not only… but also…” It adds confirming information rather than contrasting it.