[Learn basic Chinese with grammar] The difference between 但是, 可是, and 不過

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The difference between 但是, 可是, and 不過

但是 ♬, 可是 ♬, and 不過 ♬ can all mean “but.” They are used to show contrast.

Word	Basic meaning	Common feeling
但是	but	neutral
可是	but	common in speech
不過	but; however	often softer or more casual

For beginners, you can first remember 但是 as the most neutral choice. 可是 is very common in everyday speech, and 不過 often sounds a little softer.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
今天很冷，但是我想出去。 ♬	Jīntiān hěn lěng, dànshì wǒ xiǎng chūqù.	It is cold today, but I want to go out.
這家店很好，可是有點貴。 ♬	Zhè jiā diàn hěn hǎo, kěshì yǒu diǎn guì.	This shop is good, but a little expensive.
我想去，不過今天沒時間。 ♬	Wǒ xiǎng qù, búguò jīntiān méi shíjiān.	I want to go, but I do not have time today.

Useful words and example sentences