Usage of 但
The character 但 is commonly used as a conjunction meaning "but" or "however" to introduce a contrast or exception in a sentence. It often appears in spoken and written Mandarin to soften a statement or to present a limitation.
Common Collocations
- 但愿 (dànyuàn): to hope that
- 但是 (dànshì): but, however (a more formal or emphatic form)
- 但凡 (dànfán): as long as, whenever
Notes
When using 但, it usually connects two clauses where the second clause contrasts with or limits the first. It is less formal than 但是 but more formal than just using a pause or no conjunction. Avoid confusing 但 with 可是 or 不过, which also mean "but" but have slightly different tones and usage contexts.