About
The character 但 is a phono-semantic compound with the human radical (亻) on the left and 旦 (meaning dawn) on the right, which provides the phonetic element. Historically, it was associated with the physical act of baring the body or stripping off garments, a meaning connected to the human radical. Over time, this original sense was lost, and the character was repurposed as a common grammatical conjunction. It now functions as a pivot word meaning but, yet, or however, introducing contrast or expressing reservation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我很忙，但很快乐。
他想去，但没时间。
天气不好，但我们去了。
他学习很努力，但成绩不好。
这本书很厚，但内容很有趣。
虽然价格昂贵，但质量非常好。
她昨天生病了，但今天还是来上班了。
虽然他已经道歉了，但我仍然觉得很难过，因为伤害已经造成了。