但
是

About

The word "但是" is formed by combining the character "但", which carries the meaning of "only" or "but", with the character "是", which means "to be". In this compound, "但" provides the core adversative sense, while "是" is added to emphasize and solidify the contrastive function, resulting in a conjunction that means "but" or "however". This structure arose from historical usage where "是" was appended to "但" to reinforce and clarify its contrasting role.

Example Sentences Hide

我想去，但是我没时间。

Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ méi shíjiān.

I want to go, but I don't have time.

天气很好，但是我们还是呆在家里。

Tiānqì hěn hǎo, dànshì wǒmen háishì dāi zài jiālǐ.

The weather is nice, but we still stayed at home.

他学习很努力，但是考试成绩不理想。

Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, dànshì kǎoshì chéngjì bù lǐxiǎng.

He studies very hard, but his exam results are not ideal.

虽然这个计划听起来完美，但是实施起来会遇到很多困难。

Suīrán zhège jìhuà tīng qǐlái wánměi, dànshì shíshī qǐlái huì yùdào hěnduō kùnnan.

Although this plan sounds perfect, implementing it will encounter many difficulties.

尽管我们已经采取了所有预防措施，但是意外还是发生了。

Jǐnguǎn wǒmen yǐjīng cǎiqǔle suǒyǒu yùfáng cuòshī, dànshì yìwài háishì fāshēngle.

Even though we have taken all precautions, an accident still happened.

Word Definition - 但是

dàn shì but; however

Individual Character Details

但 dàn
是 shì, shì