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March 24, 2026
但dàn(dan4)
The character '但' (dàn) means 'but' or 'however', indicating a contrast or exception in a statement. It is commonly used to introduce a clause that presents a different perspective or condition. Additionally, it can imply limitation, suggesting that the subject is only a part of a broader context.
Strokes7Radical亻Frequency#64DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of '但' reflects a nuanced way of communication, often emphasizing humility or indirectness in expressing disagreements or contrasting opinions. This mirrors the concept of '面子' (miànzi), or face-saving, which is crucial in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dan' (a type of traditional Chinese rice cake) that is very plain and only has a simple flavor, which reminds you that it's just 'but' one flavor among many. The character '但' consists of the radical for 'to speak' (言) on the left, suggesting that it often introduces a contrasting viewpoint in speech.
Meanings of 但
dàn(dan4)
1but
2yet
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 但
但Simplified
7Strokes
亻Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#64Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 但
Podcast: 但
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AI Study Notes for 但
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dan' (a type of traditional Chinese rice cake) that is very plain and only has a simple flavor, which reminds you that it's just 'but' one flavor among many. The character '但' consists of the radical for 'to speak' (言) on the left, suggesting that it often introduces a contrasting viewpoint in speech.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '但' with '可是' (kě shì) or '不过' (bù guò), which are also used to express contrast but carry slightly different nuances. '但' is more formal and can be used in written contexts, while the others are more conversational. Pay attention to the tone; it should be pronounced with a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
While '但' is not officially categorized in HSK, it is essential for intermediate learners to connect it with other conjunctions and contrasting phrases they may encounter. Focus on using '但' to create complex sentences that showcase contrast.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of '但' reflects a nuanced way of communication, often emphasizing humility or indirectness in expressing disagreements or contrasting opinions. This mirrors the concept of '面子' (miànzi), or face-saving, which is crucial in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse '但' in place of '和' (hé, meaning 'and'), leading to sentences like '我喜欢苹果但香蕉' (Wǒ xǐhuān píngguǒ dàn xiāngjiāo), which should be '我喜欢苹果和香蕉'. Ensure you use '但' to express contrast, not addition.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 但
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Grammar Patterns of 但
但 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It tastes artificial, but at that price what can you expect?
11
他想去旅游，但没有时间。
Tā xiǎng qù lǚyóu, dàn méiyǒu shíjiān.
He wants to travel, but he doesn't have time.
12
我喜欢这本书，但它有点贵。
Wǒ xǐhuān zhè běn shū, dàn tā yǒudiǎn guì.
I like this book, but it is a bit expensive.
13
天气很好，但我还是不想出去。
Tiānqì hěn hǎo, dàn wǒ háishì bù xiǎng chūqù.
The weather is nice, but I still don't want to go out.
14
他会说英语，但不太流利。
Tā huì shuō Yīngyǔ, dàn bù tài liúlì.
He can speak English, but not very fluently.
Cultural Notes for 但
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of '但' reflects a nuanced way of communication, often emphasizing humility or indirectness in expressing disagreements or contrasting opinions. This mirrors the concept of '面子' (miànzi), or face-saving, which is crucial in social interactions.
Word Family of 但
Compounds1
亱
Words Containing This Character10
但dànbut
但是dànshìbut
不但búdànnot only (... but also...)
但愿dànyuànI wish (that)但願
非但not only
但凡every single
但丁Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), Italian poet, author of the Divine Comedy 神曲
但愿如此if only it were so但願如此
格但斯克Gdansk, city on Baltic in north Poland
但书proviso但書
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 但 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 但
Yes, starting a sentence with '但' is common when you want to emphasize the contrast or exception right away.
'但' is used in both spoken and written Chinese, but it is more formal than some alternatives like '可是'.
'但' is more formal and often used in writing, while '不过' feels more casual and conversational.
