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March 24, 2026
但是dànshì(dan4shi4)
但是 (dànshì) is a conjunction that translates to 'but' or 'however' in English. It is commonly used to introduce a contrasting statement or an exception to what has been previously mentioned, making it essential in everyday conversation and writing.
Frequency#79DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese communication, contrasts often highlight the speaker's thought process and can reflect cultural values of harmony and indirectness. Using 但是 effectively can make discussions more nuanced and considerate.
Memory Tip
Think of '但是' as a door that opens to a different direction. The 'dan' (但) looks like 'dan' in 'dance,' where you switch steps from one direction to another. The 'shi' (是) is like 'she' dancing into the contrasting statement, emphasizing a shift in thought.
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AI Study Notes for 但是
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '但是' as a door that opens to a different direction. The 'dan' (但) looks like 'dan' in 'dance,' where you switch steps from one direction to another. The 'shi' (是) is like 'she' dancing into the contrasting statement, emphasizing a shift in thought.
Usage Notes
When using 但是, be cautious about its placement in a sentence; it usually appears at the beginning of the contrasting clause. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where alternatives like 然而 (rán'ér) might be more appropriate. A common collocation is '我想去，但是...' (I want to go, but...).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 但是 is foundational for forming complex sentences and expressing contrasts. Students should practice using it in various sentence structures to enhance their fluency. Connecting it to other HSK Level 2 words like '可是' (kěshì) can deepen understanding of contrastive conjunctions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese communication, contrasts often highlight the speaker's thought process and can reflect cultural values of harmony and indirectness. Using 但是 effectively can make discussions more nuanced and considerate.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is placing 但是 incorrectly, such as using it in the middle of a sentence without proper punctuation. For example, '我喜欢这个，但是我不喜欢那个。' is correct, while '我喜欢这个我不喜欢那个，但是。' is wrong.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 但是
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Grammar Patterns of 但是
但是 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 2 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.
This may sound trivial, but I assure you it is quite important!
9
对不起，但是这跟你没关系。
duì bù qǐ， ， dàn shì zhè gēn nǐ méi guān。
I'm sorry, but it's nothing to do with you.
10
他赢了，但是赢得十分勉强。
tā yíng le， ， dàn shì yíng dé shí fēn miǎn。
He won, but only by the skin of his teeth.
Cultural Notes for 但是
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese communication, contrasts often highlight the speaker's thought process and can reflect cultural values of harmony and indirectness. Using 但是 effectively can make discussions more nuanced and considerate.
Frequently Asked Questions about 但是
Yes, 但是 is often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrast.
No, 但是 and 可是 are both informal; however, 但是 can be seen as slightly more formal than 可是.
Absolutely, 但是 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
