ConjunctionsHSK 3
Two words for "but"
The conjunctions 可是 and 但是 both mean "but" and are interchangeable. 但是 is slightly more formal, while 可是 is a bit more informal and weaker in tone.
Structure
Statement, 可是 / 但是 + Contrary Statement
Examples
- 我喜欢他，可是他不喜欢我。Wǒ xǐhuan tā, kěshì tā bù xǐhuan wǒ.I like him, but he doesn't like me.
- 我很想去，但是我太忙了。Wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ tài máng le.I really want to go, but I am too busy.
- 我喜欢这件衬衫，可是太贵了。Wǒ xǐhuan zhè jiàn chènshān, kěshì tài guì le.I like this shirt, but it is too expensive.
- iPhone很好，但是我没钱买。iPhone hěn hǎo, dànshì wǒ méi qián mǎi.The iPhone is great, but I don't have the money to buy it.
- 你们可以在这里看书，可是不可以说话。Nǐ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ kàn shū, kěshì bù kěyǐ shuōhuà.You can read books here, but you can't talk.