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Two words for "but"

但是 dànshì

Conjunction
HSK 2

Structure

Statement， 可是 / 但是 + [Contrary Statement]

Translations

  • although
  • but

Definition

表示转折关系的连词，常用有“但是”和“可是”。

Conjunctions indicating contrast, commonly '但是' (dànshì) and '可是' (kěshì).

Usage

用于连接前后两个分句，表示转折或对比。'但是'语气较重，较正式；'可是'语气较轻，更口语化，有时带有强调或惊异。

Used to connect two clauses to indicate contrast or opposition. '但是' is more formal and emphatic; '可是' is more colloquial and can convey surprise or emphasis.

Examples

  • 1 我想去，但是我没有时间。 (I want to go, but I don't have time.)
  • 2 她很聪明，可是不够努力。 (She is very smart, but not hardworking enough.)
  • 3 这个方案很好，但是成本太高。 (This plan is good, but the cost is too high.)
  • 4 他说他喜欢我，可是从来不联系我。 (He says he likes me, but never contacts me.)
  • 5 我努力了，但是结果还是不好。 (I tried hard, but the result was still not good.)

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