The most common way to say but in Chinese
We have learnt and in Chinese, which is 和 [hé] in mandarin. Today we will learn but in Chinese. But is translated into Chinese as 但是 [dàn shì] , which is the most common way to say but in Chinese. In Chinese language, 但是 [dàn shì] is usually used with 虽然 [suī rán], which means although. While in English, although and but can’t be used together, you can only choose one. For example:
Character Pinyin English
虽然我很累,但是我还是把作业完成了。 suī rán wǒ hěn lèi,dàn shì wǒ hái shì bǎ zuò yè wán chéng le。 Although I was very tired, I still finished my homework./
I was very tired, but I still finished my homework.
although-but
But in Chinese: 但 But in pinyin: [dàn] Tone: Fourth Radical: 亻 Component: 旦 Stroke Count: 7 Structure: Left to right Usage: ★★★★
The glyph evolution of but in Chinese
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The glyph contrast of but in Chinese
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The order of strokes of but in Chinese
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The calligraphy of but in Chinese
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不但 [bú dàn] – Not only. For example:
Character Pinyin English
她不但是一位语文老师,而且歌也唱得很好。 tā bú dàn shì yí wèi yǔ wén lǎo shī,ér qiě gē yě chàng dé hěn hǎo。 She is not only a Chinese teacher , but also sings well.
但愿 [dàn yuàn] – Wish. For example:
Character Pinyin English
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟。 dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ,qiān lǐ gòng chán juān。 We wish each other a long life so as to share the beauty of this graceful moonlight, even though miles apart.
the-wish
但凡 [dàn fán] – In every case. As long as. For example:
Character Pinyin English
但凡学习努力,便会考出好成绩。 dàn fán xué xí nǔ lì,biàn huì kǎo chū hǎo chéng jì。 As long as you study hard, you will do well in the exam.
但求无过 [dàn qiú wú guò] – But only in avoiding making mistakes. For example:
Character Pinyin English
不求有功,但求无过。 bù qiú yǒu gōng,dàn qiú wú guò。 Not aim at success, but only in avoiding making mistakes.
how-to-say-but-in-chinese
但求多福 [dàn qiú duō fú] – Pray that there will be a lot of blessings on their own.
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但愿如此 [dàn yuàn rú cǐ] – May it be. For example:
Speaker Character Pinyin English
A: 我这次一定可以考一百分。 wǒ zhè cì yí dìng kě yǐ kǎo yī bǎi fēn。 I'm sure I can get a hundred this time.
B: 但愿如此。 dàn yuàn rú cǐ。 May it be.
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但说无妨 [dàn shuō wú fáng] – There is no harm in saying what one thinks.
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Other expressions of but in Chinese
而 [ér] – But. For example:
Character Pinyin English
我担心的不是自己,而是婴儿。 wǒ dān xīn de bú shì zì jǐ,ér shì yīng ér。 I'm not worried about myself, but the baby.
For example:
Character Pinyin English
心有余而力不足。 xīn yǒu yú ér lì bù zú。 I really want to do it, but I don't have the strength to do it.
but-international
相反 [xiāng fǎn] – On the contrary. For example:
Character Pinyin English
这根本不麻烦。相反,我很乐意帮助你。 zhè gēn běn bù má fán。xiāng fǎn,wǒ hěn lè yì bāng zhù nǐ。 It's no trouble at all. On the contrary, it will be a great pleasure to help you.
on-the-contrary
可是 [kě shì] – But. However. For example:
Character Pinyin English
我想回家,可是忘记带钥匙了。 wǒ xiǎng huí jiā,kě shì wàng jì dài yào shi le。 I want to go home, but I forgot my key.
然而 [rán ér] – However. But. For example:
Character Pinyin English
然而,现实是残酷的。 rán ér,xiàn shí shì cán kù de。 However, the reality is harsh.
however
除了 [chú le] – Except. For example:
Character Pinyin English
除了他,所有人都去了博物馆。 chú le tā,suǒ yǒu rén dōu qù le bó wù guǎn。 Everyone but him, went to the museum.
只有 [zhǐ yǒu] / 只好 [zhǐ hǎo] – Only. For example:
Character Pinyin English
我别无选择,只好签了合同。 wǒ bié wú xuǎn zé,zhǐ hǎo qiān le hé tóng。 I had no choice but to sign the contract.
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