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.
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./
although-but
But in Chinese: 但
The glyph evolution of but in Chinese
but-in
The glyph contrast of but in Chinese
but-in-chinese-language
The order of strokes of but in Chinese
how-do-you-say-but-in-chinese
The calligraphy of but in Chinese
but-in-chinese
不但 [bú dàn] – Not only.
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.
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.
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.
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.
bar-but
但愿如此 [dàn yuàn rú cǐ] – May it be.
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.
wish
但说无妨 [dàn shuō wú fáng] – There is no harm in saying what one thinks.
but-in-other-words
Other expressions of but in Chinese
而 [ér] – But.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want to learn real Chinese? Contact Native-Chinese teacher, we provide native mandarin speaker as your private tutor. Here’s form for contact.
