但是那个
dànshì nàge
In Chinese, the phrase "but that one" is expressed as 但是那个 (dànshì nàge).
This phrase is used to point out a specific person or thing in contrast to another.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 但是 (but) and 那个 (that one).
How does it change in a sentence?
The component 那个 can be used to refer to both people and objects.
How do you pronounce it?
dànshì nàge
Did you know?
- While 那个 literally means 'that one', it is often used as a euphemism to avoid naming something taboo or embarrassing. A speaker might say 那个 and rely on a shared glance to communicate the meaning without saying the word.
- If you are pointing at a person, you might replace 那个 with 那位 to show respect, as 'that one' can sound quite blunt in Chinese.
- In spoken Chinese, the word 那个 is frequently used as a filler word similar to 'um' or 'uh' in English. This means a speaker might say 那个 multiple times while thinking, even if they are not pointing to a specific object.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢那个蛋糕，但那一个太贵了。I like that cake, but that one is too expensive.
- 这本书非常有趣，可是那个太难了。This book is very interesting, but that one is too difficult.
- 这个很漂亮，但是那个不好看。Zhège hěn piàoliang, dànshì nàge bù hǎokàn.This one is beautiful, but that one is not pretty.
- 我不喜欢这个，但是那个可以。Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège, dànshì nàge kěyǐ.I don't like this one, but that one is okay.
- 这个太贵了，但是那个很便宜。Zhège tài guì le, dànshì nàge hěn piányi.This one is too expensive, but that one is very cheap.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are choosing a gift in a shop.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你喜欢哪一个？Nǐ xǐhuān nǎ yī gè?Which one do you like?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我不喜欢这个，但是那个不错。Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège, dànshì nàge bùcuò.I don't like this one, but that one is not bad.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那个颜色适合你吗？Nàge yánsè shìhé nǐ ma?Is that color suitable for you?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我很喜欢那个。Shì de, wǒ hěn xǐhuān nàge.Yes, I like that one very much.
