How to write 但是
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Stroke order of 但
Stroke order of 是
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HSK level
HSK 2但是 is listed in the official HSK vocabulary at HSK 2. An elementary band: common words for simple everyday exchanges.
但是 in a sentence
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我 想 去 ，但 是 没 有 时 间 。I want to go, but I do not have time.
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他 很 累 ，但 是 还 在 工 作 。He is tired but still working.
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这 件 衣 服 好 看 ，但 是 太 贵 。This piece of clothing looks good but is too expensive.
但是 vs 可是 vs 不过 vs 然而
Similar and easily confused words, and how they differ.
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可是 kě shì but (colloquial)
The spoken 'but' — 可是太贵了 'but it's too expensive'. 但是 is neutral and works in speech and writing.
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不过 bú guò but; however (soft)
A softer 'but/though' for mild reservations — 不错，不过有点贵 'not bad, just a bit pricey'.
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然而 rán ér however (formal)
Written 'however' for essays — 然而事实并非如此 'however, that is not the case'. Sounds stiff in speech.