ConjunctionsHSK 2

Expressing "but" with 但

但 is a conjunction used to link two contrasting clauses, similar to "but" or "however" in English.

It typically appears between two clauses, with a comma before it, and cannot be used at the very beginning of a sentence.

Structure

Clause A + ，但 + Clause B

The most common pattern, linking two contrasting statements.

虽然 + Clause A + ，但 + Clause B

Paired with 虽然 to emphasize the contrast between expectation and reality.

我很想去旅行，但我没有时间。
Wǒ hěn xiǎng qù lǚ xíng, dàn wǒ méi yǒu shí jiān.
I really want to travel, but I don't have time.
这部电影很有意思，但我只看了开头。
Zhè bù diàn yǐng hěn yǒu yì si, dàn wǒ zhī kàn le kāi tóu.
This movie is very interesting, but I only watched the beginning.
虽然他很年轻，但他的经验很丰富。
Suī rán tā hěn nián qīng, dàn tā de jīng yàn hěn fēng fù.
Although he is young, he has a lot of experience.
我同意你的想法，但我觉得现在还不行。
Wǒ tóng yì nǐ de xiǎng fǎ, dàn wǒ jué de xiàn zài hái bù xíng.
I agree with your idea, but I don't think it's the right time yet.
今天天气不好，但我想出去走走。
Jīn tiān tiān qì bù hǎo, dàn wǒ xiǎng chū qù zǒu zǒu.
The weather is bad today, but I want to go out for a walk.