Definition
但 (dàn) is a short, slightly more formal or written form of 但是 (dàn shì), both meaning 'but, however'. In everyday speech, 但是 is more common; 但 is preferred in writing. A softer contrast is 只是 (zhǐ shì) 'it's just that', which introduces a minor limitation.
butyethowever (conjunction indicating contrast)merelyonly (adverb, literary)
Easily confused
- 担dānlook-aliketo undertake, to shoulder, to bear (responsibility, risk, etc.)
- 单dānsound-alike(noun) bill; list; form (a written note)
- 查chálook-aliketo look up (a word, information in a reference)
- 淡dànsound-alikebland, weak, insipid (of taste or concentration)
- 担dànsound-alike(noun) a load carried on a shoulder pole; a burden
Examples
- ，但。Wǒ xiǎng qù gōngyuán, dàn jīntiān hěn lěng.I want to go to the park, but it's very cold today.
- ，但。Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, dàn kǎoshì méiyǒu kǎo hǎo.He studies very hard, but he didn't do well on the exam.
- ，但。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi zhè běn shū, dàn méiyǒu qián.I want to buy this book, but I don't have money.
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