但是 dàn shì
“but; however”
conjunctionHSK 2 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
但是 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 331: 但是 dànshì — Level 2; official annotation 2 (连). PDF page 88
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 但是
但是 means "but" or "however" and introduces a contrasting clause. It usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, before the subject. A common pattern is "..., 但是 ...".
例句Example sentences
- 我想去，但是今天很忙。wǒ xiǎng qù, dàn shì jīn tiān hěn máng.I want to go, but I am very busy today.
- 这个字很难，但是我会写。zhè ge zì hěn nán, dàn shì wǒ huì xiě.This character is difficult, but I can write it.
- 他很累，但是还在学习。tā hěn lèi, dàn shì hái zài xué xí.He is very tired, but he is still studying.
易混词Easily confused
但是vs可是
可是 also means "but" and is more common in speaking; 但是 is more formal and often used in writing.