但是 vs 可是 (dànshì vs kěshì): which 'but' to use
Both 但是 (dànshì) and 可是 (kěshì) mean 'but' and are largely interchangeable in everyday Chinese. However, 但是 carries a stronger, more formal tone, making it common in writing and logical contrasts, while 可是 is softer and more conversational. The choice depends on register and emphasis, not strict grammatical rules, and both can be used with 却 (què) for added contrast.
Both 但是 (dànshì) and 可是 (kěshì) are adversative conjunctions meaning 'but' or 'however'. They are nearly interchangeable in most contexts, but differ in tone and register. 但是 is more emphatic and formal, often used in writing, speeches, and logical arguments. 可是 is softer, more colloquial, and common in casual conversation. Both can be paired with 却 (què) to intensify contrast, and both appear in 'although...but...' (虽然...但是/可是...) structures. Choosing the right one helps you sound natural in different situations.
When to use each
Use 但是 when you need a strong, clear contrast, especially in formal writing, academic texts, or logical arguments. It is the default choice in most written Chinese and often preferred in official or serious contexts. It works naturally with 虽然 (suīrán) and 却 (què) to create emphatic contrasts.
Use 可是 for a softer, more conversational contrast. It is very common in spoken Chinese and informal writing, expressing reservation or objection in a polite way. It also pairs easily with 虽然 and 却, but the overall tone remains less forceful than 但是.
At a glance
| 但是 | 可是 | |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Formal / Written | Informal / Spoken |
| Strength of contrast | Strong, emphatic | Softer, milder |
| Combination with 虽然 | Common (虽然…但是…) | Common (虽然…可是…) |
| Combination with 却 | Both can pair with 却 | Both can pair with 却 |
| Typical context | Logical argument, official documents | Casual conversation, storytelling |
Examples
- 但是他很努力，但是成绩不好。Tā hěn nǔlì, dànshì chéngjì bù hǎo.He works hard, but his grades are not good.Formal tone; 可是 would also work but sound less formal.
- 可是我想去，可是没时间。Wǒ xiǎng qù, kěshì méi shíjiān.I want to go, but I don't have time.Natural spoken example; 但是 would be more forceful.
- 但是虽然有困难，但是我们不放弃。Suīrán yǒu kùnnan, dànshì wǒmen bù fàngqì.Although there are difficulties, we won't give up.Standard written pattern with 虽然.
- 可是这个手机功能多，可是价格贵。Zhège shǒujī gōngnéng duō, kěshì jiàgé guì.This phone has many features, but the price is high.Casual contrast; 但是 would sound more argumentative.
- 可是他很有钱，可是却不快乐。Tā hěn yǒu qián, kěshì què bù kuàilè.He is rich, but he is not happy.Valid pair with 却; 但是也可用，但语气更强。
- 但是他很有钱，但是却不快乐。Tā hěn yǒu qián, dànshì què bù kuàilè.He is rich, but he is not happy.Same meaning, stronger emphasis; 但是...却... is standard.
Common mistakes
- Using 可是 in very formal academic writing where 但是 is more appropriate.
- Overusing 但是 in casual speech, making it sound overly forceful or argumentative.
- Believing that 但是 cannot combine with 却 — both 但是 and 可是 pair with 却 naturally.
- Using 可是 in a 'not only... but also' structure (e.g., 不但...而且...), which requires different conjunctions.
FAQ
- When do I use 但是 vs 可是?
- They are mostly interchangeable, but 但是 is more formal and emphatic, suitable for writing and strong contrasts. 可是 is softer and more common in casual conversation. In everyday speech, 可是 often sounds more natural; in formal writing, 但是 is preferred.
- Can I use 但是 with 却?
- Yes, definitely. Both 但是 and 可是 commonly pair with 却 to emphasize contrast. For example: 他虽然有钱，但是却不幸福 (Although he is rich, he is not happy). This construction is standard in both spoken and written Chinese.
- Which is more common in spoken Chinese?
- 可是 is more common in everyday spoken Chinese, especially among friends and family. 但是 is also used in speech but can sound more formal or argumentative. For a neutral contrast in conversation, 可是 is often a safer choice.
- Is there a difference in meaning when using 虽然 with 但是 vs 可是?
- No difference in meaning. Both 虽然…但是… and 虽然…可是… mean 'although…but…'. The only difference is tone: 但是 gives a stronger contrast, while 可是 is softer. Choose based on the level of formality you want.