Verified answer

Let's talk about the "three 'buts'" in Mandarin Chinese and their usage:

There are not one, not two, but *three* ways to say "but" in Chinese, they are:

但是

可是

and

不过

Each one is "softer" and less formal than the last. 但是 can be treated almost exactly the same as "but" in English.

可是 means something closer to "while A is true, B is also true", or "while I feel a certain way, I also feel another way". 可是 is "softer" than 但是, because it allows for the first thing, while politely pushing forward another thing. It is also informal and conversational. It should be noted that for this reason, 可是 cannot be used in simple, formal instructions, like:

"Put the plug in, but don't twist it."

插上插头，但是不要扭动 (correct)

插上插头，可是不要扭动 (incorrect, or very informal)

Also, in informal speech 但是 and 可是 can be shortened to 但 and 可, example:

你可以带朋友，*但*不要迟到

You can bring a friend/friends, but don't be late.

我本来想给他打电话，*可*我忘了他的电话号码

I wanted to give him a call, but I forgot his phone number.

不过 is the weakest and most informal of the three, it means something like "at the same time..." and is often used that way. It is especially used for making excuses, or talking about choosing between two things.

So there you go, now go forth and pay careful attention to these three forms of "but" so that you too can begin using them correctly, good luck!

It's normal for you to learn Chinese because it's easy to pronounce it.

“但” has more meaning than just "but", ”可是“ just means "but". “但” also means "only" or "just". You can even use "但" as "hope" (但愿) but it only can be used when you're talking about someone's condition, then you would say that for what you want to happen of that condition. For example: ”他的病非常严重，但愿他马上好起来.“ (his illness is very serious/critical, hope he quickly recovers.")

single word 但，has the same meaning as 可是, u can switch them in sentences. for example:

He wants to fly, but he doesn't have wings = 他想飞,但他没有翅膀=他想飞,可是他没有翅膀.

但 is commonly used in daily talking, because it sound more casual than 可是. But that doesn't mean u can't use 可是 when talking, it's just a habit thing.

但 means but and so does 可是 so there's no difference really.