HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#35

Two Words for “But”

可是 / 但是

kěshì / dànshì

How it works

Both 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì) mean “but.” They introduce contrast between two parts of a sentence.

In many situations, they can be used in similar ways. However:

可是 (kěshì) is often more conversational

但是 (dànshì) is more neutral and can sound slightly more formal

Clause 1, 可是 (kěshì) / 但是 (dànshì) + Clause 2

我很想去，可是今天太忙。

Wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, kěshì jīntiān tài máng.

I really want to go, but I am too busy today.

他努力了很多，但是结果还是不太理想。

Tā nǔlì le hěn duō, dànshì jiéguǒ háishi bù tài lǐxiǎng.

He worked very hard, but the result was still not ideal.

这个地方很安静，可是有点儿远。

Zhège dìfang hěn ānjìng, kěshì yǒudiǎnr yuǎn.

This place is very quiet, but it is a little far.

In many daily situations, the difference is mainly about tone, not grammar.