但是
dàn shì
In Chinese, the English phrase 'however' is expressed as 但是 (dàn shì).
Meaning: no matter how (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 但是 is a standard way to express 'however', you may encounter 可是 (kě shì), which serves as a more colloquial and informal alternative for expressing 'but' or 'however'. In formal written contexts such as essays or reports, the term 然而 (rán ér) is often preferred.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, 但是 is frequently paired with 虽然 (suī rán) to form a correlative conjunction structure.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dàn shì.
Did you know?
- If you use 但是 to disagree with someone in a professional setting, it can sound much more blunt and confrontational than the English 'however' does.
- To sound more emphatic or indignant, a speaker might replace 但是 with 不过 (bù guò), which literally translates as 'not pass' or 'not exceed'.
- The formal version 然而 (rán ér) uses the character 然 (rán), which is also the same character used in the word for 'nature' or 'natural'.
Examples in context
- 他寫了一本書，但是沒有錢出版。He has written a book, however, he has no money to publish it.This example shows how to use 但是 to connect a person's action with a lack of resources.Tatoeba #9054939 by xjjAstrus, translation #9069636 by antonb
- 但是所有这些数据都没有得到确认。However, all these data were not confirmed.This sentence demonstrates using 但是 at the beginning of a statement to show contrast.Tatoeba #9956898 by GlossaMatik, translation #1441267 by Balamax
- 市政府想建设专门的自行车道。但是，很多司机反对这个主意。The city government wants to set up special cycle lanes. However, a lot of drivers oppose the idea.This example shows using 但是 to introduce an opposing view to a government plan.Tatoeba #1477272 by GlossaMatik, translation #1477326 by eastasiastudent
- 我确实喜欢这部电影， 不过 ，剧情有些单调。I do like this movie, however, the plot is somewhat monotonous.
- 这是一个很好的想法， 然而 ，实施起来可能会遇到一些困难。This is a great idea, however, there might be some difficulties in implementing it.
- 我想去旅行， 可是 ，我没有足够的时间。I want to travel, however, I don't have enough time.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Yuting are talking about a difficult task.
- 伟 Wei这个任务太难了。Zhège rènwù tài nán le.This task is too difficult.
- 雨婷 Yuting但是你必须尝试完成它。Dànshì nǐ bìxū chángshì wánchéng tā.However, you must try to complete it.
- 伟 Wei我不知道从哪里开始。Wǒ bù zhīdào cóng nǎlǐ kāishǐ.I don't know where to start.
- 雨婷 Yuting我可以帮你一起看。Wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ yīqǐ kàn.I can help you look at it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
