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(dàn shì) - but, however in Mandarin

dànshì

Traditional: 但是

Line drawing of 但是
Coloured illustration of 但是
HSK 2
#87 of 2,700Core 1000

Translation

but, however

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Word origin

The word 但是 combines 但 'but' with 是 'to be, yes', forming the standard contrastive conjunction 'but, however'. 但 is 亻 (person) + 旦 (phonetic); 是 joins 日 (sun) over 正/疋, originally 'straight, correct', later the copula.

Origin
compound
Root
但 (dàn, but: 亻 person + 旦 phonetic) + 是 (shì, to be)

Stroke order

Stroke order for 但

但

Stroke order for 是

是

Examples

，。

I am very tired, but I still need to persevere.

，。

The price is high, but it works well.

，缺quē乏fá。

He is very capable, but lacks experience.

，。

I like her, but she does not like me.

，。

The weather is cold, but I am not afraid.

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Mandarin · Free printables

但是: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "但是" (but, however): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

This word is taught in chapter 1, lesson 4: More people, more words.