conj.
Baring the chest at dawn; as a function word, "only, merely" — a narrow focus. "But, however" — the common pivot to an opposite or unexpected point.
但
adv.
only; merely
Common Usage & Traps
- 但是 — but; however (standard form, common in speech and writing)
- 但 — but (short, tight form, often in writing or quick clauses)
- 虽然…但… — although…, but… (common contrast pair)
- 虽然…但是… — although…, but… (heavier, more spoken contrast pair)
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虽然累，很开心。虽然累，但很开心。虽然 starts a contrast; without 但 or 但是, the second half often sounds unfinished.
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虽然…但…但是…虽然…但… or 虽然…但是…Two but-words fight for the same slot. Pick one pairing.
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但，我不想去。但我不想去。 or 但是，我不想去。A comma right after bare 但 often sounds clipped. Bare 但 usually sits directly before the clause.
Is 但 just a shorter 但是?
Not exactly. 但 is tighter and often more written; 但是 is heavier and more spoken.
Both mean but, but they do not have the same weight. 但 is short and often appears in writing, headlines, or quick clauses. 但是 is heavier and more common when you want clear spoken emphasis.
“最近我每周都游两三次，但看电影是我最大的爱好！” (Lately I swim two or three times a week, but watching movies is my biggest hobby!)
“最近我每周都游两三次，但看电影是我最大的爱好！” (Lately I swim two or three times a week, but watching movies is my biggest hobby!)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Spoken emphasis | 但是，我不想去。 | 但，我不想去。 |
| Bare 但 link | 我喜欢游泳，但不喜欢跑步。 | 我喜欢游泳，但，不喜欢跑步。 |
| Double but-words | 但是我不想去。 | 但但是我不想去。 |
Can 但 start a sentence?
Yes, especially in writing; in casual chat 但是 usually sounds smoother.
Chinese does not ban 但 at the start of a sentence. The catch is tone: bare 但 can sound clipped or article-like. In WeChat or speech, 但是 softens the turn and sounds more normal. If you are writing a tight comment or essay, 但 at the start is perfectly fine.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Formal article | 但问题没有解决。 | 但，问题没有解决。 |
| WeChat chat | 但是我不想去。 | 但我不想去。 |
| Mid-sentence link | 我喜欢游泳，但不喜欢跑步。 | 我喜欢游泳。但我不喜欢跑步。 |
Does 虽然 always need 但?
For simple contrasts, keep 但 or 但是; dropping it often sounds unfinished.
虽然 means although and sets up the contrast. 但 or 但是 delivers the other half. In fast speech you can sometimes drop it if the second half already has 还是. For beginners, keep 但 or 但是 in the sentence.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Simple contrast | 虽然累，但很开心。 | 虽然累，很开心。 |
| Emphatic contrast | 虽然累，但是很开心。 | 虽然累，但但是很开心。 |
Appears in Stories 5 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
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但 谢安不想做官，多次拒绝了朝廷的邀请，就住在会稽的东山（今天的浙江省会稽山），和朋友一起游玩。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
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我坐他对面，看见他把那块肉夹起来，放到了骨碟边沿，跟那根早就夹过来， 但 其实没吃的青菜并排摆着，整整齐齐。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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但 方便面除了小麦面粉，里面还有油和脱水的蔬菜叶子等等材料。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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他比较支持美国， 但 理论上说不明白，一直得不到满意的解释。
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““我还可以说，我们这个地方，有一个卖饼干的，每天在街上叫卖饼干， 但 他还愿意关心国家大事，关心英美的政治制度，希望国家能走上正确的道路──只这件奇事，已够使我乐观，使我高兴了。
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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最近我每周都游两三次， 但 看电影是我最大的爱好！
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