How common it is
但是 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
Guest access
Guests can browse all words. Sign in or create an account to save progress and unlock more practice.
Pronunciation focus
Say dànshì slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
但是用来连接两个对立的观点或句子，表示转折。
dàn shì lái yòng jiān lián liǎng gè òu dì de jù zi huò qǔ, bǐ sài zhuǎn zhé。
但是 is used to connect two opposing views or sentences, indicating a contrast.
Context note
但是常见于描述日常生活中的转折情况，比如饮食习惯或学习态度的变化。
dàn shì jǐng cháng yú miáo huì rì kāi shēn qíng zhōng de zhuǎn zhé qíng kuàng, bǐ 如 饮食习惯或学习态度的变化。
But is commonly found in describing turning points in daily life situations, such as changes in eating habits or study attitudes.
5 examples
我喜欢吃水果，但是不喜欢吃蔬菜。
wǒ xǐ huan chī shuǐ guǒ， dàn shì bù xǐ huan chī shū cài。
I like to eat fruits, but I don't like vegetables.
他每天早上跑步，但是晚上喜欢睡觉。
tā měi tiān zǎo shàng pǎo bù， dàn shì wǎn shàng xǐ huan shuì jiào。
He runs every morning, but likes to sleep at night.
我想去公园玩，但是妈妈说要先写作业。
wǒ xiǎng qù gōng yuán wán， dàn shì mā ma shuō yào xiān xiě zuò yè。
I want to go to the park and play, but my mom says I need to finish my homework first.
他喜欢喝咖啡，但是不加糖。
tā xǐ huan hē kā fēi， dàn shì bù jiā táng。
He likes to drink coffee, but without sugar.
我们计划去旅行，但是天气预报说会下雨。
wǒ men jì huà qù lǚ xíng， dàn shì tiān qì yù bào shuō huì xià yǔ。
We planned a trip, but the weather forecast says it will rain.
5 mini stories
小明喜欢吃巧克力，但是妈妈不让他吃太多。
xiǎo míng xǐ huan chī qiǎo kè lì， dàn shì mā ma bú ràng tā chī tài duō。
Xiaoming likes to eat chocolate, but his mom doesn't let him have too much.
他们计划去野营，但是没有带帐篷。
tā men jì huà qù yě yíng， dàn shì méi yǒu dài zhàng péng。
They planned a camping trip, but forgot to bring tents.
他想早点睡觉，但是电视节目还没结束。
tā xiǎng zǎo diǎn shuì jiào， dàn shì diàn shì jié mù hái méi jié shù。
He wants to go to bed early, but the TV show isn't over yet.
她喜欢画画，但是没有时间练习。
tā xǐ huan huà huà， dàn shì méi yǒu shí jiān liàn xí。
She likes to draw, but she doesn't have time to practice.
他想买新书包，但是妈妈说要等下个月的零花钱。
tā xiǎng mǎi xīn shū bāo， dàn shì mā ma shuō yào děng xià gè yuè de líng huā qián。
He wants to buy a new backpack, but his mom says he has to wait for next month's pocket money.