但是 (dànshì) - But/However

但是 acts as a bridge between two clauses. The first clause sets the scene. The second clause provides the twist. Usually, you place a comma before 但是 to give the listener a tiny breather. It signals that a change is coming. It is very similar to the English word "but." However, in Chinese, we often pair it with 虽然 (although) to make the contrast even stronger. Even if you don't use 虽然, 但是 does all the heavy lifting on its own. It is a conjunction, meaning its job is to join things together. It doesn't change the word order of the sentences it connects. You just drop it right in the middle. It is as simple as a grammar traffic light turning from green to red.

1. 1Using 但是 is straightforward. Follow these steps:
2. 2State your first fact or idea (Clause A).
3. 3Add a comma to pause.
4. 4Place 但是 immediately after the comma.
5. 5State your contrasting fact or idea (Clause B).
6. 6Pattern: [Sentence A], 但是 [Sentence B].
7. 7Example: 我想去 (I want to go), 但是 (but) 我没钱 (I have no money).

Use 但是 whenever you need a clear contrast. It works perfectly in real-world scenarios. Imagine you are ordering food. You might say, "I want the beef, 但是 don't make it spicy." Or if you are asking for directions: "I see the subway station, 但是 how do I get inside?" In a job interview, you might say, "I am nervous, 但是 I am ready." It is great for softening a "no." Instead of just saying "I can't come," you say, "I want to come, 但是 I am busy." It makes you sound more polite and natural. It is the ultimate tool for managing expectations. Use it when the second part of your sentence feels like a surprise compared to the first part.

Don't use 但是 at the very start of a brand-new conversation. You need a context to contrast against first. Also, avoid using it if the contrast is very weak. If you are just adding more information, use 而且 (and/also) instead. Don't use it to connect two nouns directly like a shopping list. For example, don't say "apples 但是 oranges." It needs to connect full ideas or descriptions. Lastly, if you are trying to be extremely poetic or formal, there might be other words, but for A2 level, 但是 is almost always safe. Just don't overthink it; if you'd say "but" in English, 但是 is usually the right choice.

One big mistake is using 但是 and 可是 in the same breath. They both mean "but." Pick one and stick to it! Another classic error is forgetting the comma. Without the comma, the sentence feels like a runaway train. Some people also try to put 但是 at the end of the sentence. In English, we sometimes say, "I like it, though." In Chinese, 但是 must stay in the middle. It is the glue, and glue doesn't work if it's not between the surfaces. Also, watch out for the "Double Although" trap. In English, we say "Although... but..." is wrong. In Chinese, pairing 虽然 (although) with 但是 (but) is actually perfectly correct and very common. Don't let your English brain tell you it's redundant!

How does 但是 compare to its cousins?

• 可是 (kěshì): This is very similar but feels a bit softer or more informal. It's common in spoken Chinese.
• 不过 (bùguò): This means "however" or "it's just that." It is even softer than 可是. Use it for minor points.
• 但是 (dànshì): This is the strongest and most formal of the three. It provides a sharp, clear contrast.

Think of 但是 as a shout, 可是 as a normal voice, and 不过 as a whisper. They all get the job done, but the "volume" of the contrast changes.