但

• Pinyin: dàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 但 = 亻(person radical) + 旦 (dawn, phonetic component)

Meaning

But; yet; however. A conjunction used to introduce a contrasting clause.

More concise and slightly more literary than 但是. Often used in written Chinese and formal speech. Frequently appears in the pattern 虽然...但... (although...but...).

Examples

1. 他很忙，但每天都锻炼。 He is very busy, but he exercises every day.
2. 这个地方很远，但风景很美。 This place is very far, but the scenery is beautiful.
3. 虽然很难，但他没有放弃。 Although it was very difficult, he didn't give up.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, formal speech, daily conversation

Tone: neutral, contrastive

Do Say

• 天气很冷，但他还是出门了。(The weather is cold, but he still went out.)
• 虽然贵，但质量很好。(Although expensive, the quality is good.)

Don't Say

• 不要在一个句子里同时用但和但是 — both mean 'but,' so using both together is redundant; choose one.

Origin & History

An ancient conjunction used since Classical Chinese. Originally also meant 'only' or 'merely' in literary texts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal