How common it is
但 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say dàn slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
但用于表示转折，连接两个句子或短语。
dàn yòng yú biǎoshì zhuǎnzhé，jiānlián liǎng gè jùzi huò shǎoréng。
But is used to indicate a contrast, connecting two sentences or phrases.
Context note
但常见于描述两种对立的情况或观点时使用。
dàn cháng jiàn yú miáo huì liǎng zhǒng duìlì de kuàngtái huò guāndiǎn shí yòngshì。
But is commonly used to describe two opposing situations or viewpoints.
5 examples
他喜欢游泳，但不喜欢跑步。
tā xǐ huan yóu yǒng， dàn bù xǐ huan pǎo bù。
He likes swimming, but doesn't like running.
妈妈让我早点睡，但爸爸希望我晚点睡。
mā ma ràng wǒ zǎo diǎn shuì， dàn bà ba xī wàng wǒ wǎn diǎn shuì。
Mom wants me to go to bed early, but Dad hopes I stay up late.
这个玩具很贵，但很好玩。
zhè ge wán jù hěn guì， dàn hěn hǎo wán。
This toy is expensive, but it's very fun.
他今天没来学校，但作业完成了。
tā jīn tiān méi lái xué xiào， dàn zuò yè wán chéng le。
He didn't come to school today, but he finished his homework.
我想吃冰淇淋，但妈妈说不行。
wǒ xiǎng chī bīng qí lín， dàn mā ma shuō bù xíng。
I want to eat ice cream, but Mom says no.
5 mini stories
小明喜欢画画，但他不喜欢弹钢琴。
xiǎo míng xǐ huan huà huà， dàn tā bù xǐ huan tán gāng qín。
Xiaoming likes drawing, but he doesn't like playing the piano.
妈妈让他早点睡觉，但他还是熬夜了。
mā ma ràng tā zǎo diǎn shuì jiào， dàn tā hái shì áo yè le。
Mom told him to go to bed early, but he still stayed up late.
他想买新书包，但家里没有钱。
tā xiǎng mǎi xīn shū bāo， dàn jiā lǐ méi yǒu qián。
He wants to buy a new backpack, but the family doesn't have money.
小红喜欢跳舞，但她不喜欢唱歌。
xiǎo hóng xǐ huan tiào wǔ， dàn tā bù xǐ huan chàng gē。
Xiaohong likes dancing, but she doesn't like singing.
他想吃水果，但他妈妈说要多吃蔬菜。
tā xiǎng chī shuǐ guǒ， dàn tā mā ma shuō yào duō chī shū cài。
He wants to eat fruit, but his mom says he should eat more vegetables.