但是 vs 可是: What’s the Difference? A Practical Guide for Mandarin Learners

If you’ve spent any time learning Mandarin, you’ve probably paused mid-sentence, stuck between 但是 and 可是. Both mean “but,” but choosing the right one can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when native speakers switch between them without a second thought. A student in Taipei put it best: “I hear 但是 all the time here, but no one can explain why 可是 feels ‘off’ in the same sentences.”

This guide cuts through the confusion with WuKong Education. Mastering these two words isn’t just about grammar, and it’s about sounding natural, whether you’re writing a school essay, chatting with friends, or talking to your teacher.

The Big Overlap 但是 vs 可是: Both Mean “But”

Let’s start with the basics: 但是 (dànshì) and 可是 (kěshì) are contrast conjunctions. Their main job is to link two ideas that conflict or oppose each other. For example:

• “我喜欢游泳，但是 / 可是我不会换气” (I like swimming, but I can’t breathe underwater).
• “今天是周末，但是 / 可是我还要补课” (Today is the weekend, but I still have to attend extra classes).

In these cases, swapping 但是 and 可是 doesn’t change the meaning. Native speakers might not even notice the switch in casual chat. This overlap is why even fluent speakers struggle to explain the difference, because they’re often interchangeable in everyday life.

Key Differences 但是 vs 可是

When to Choose 但是 Over 可是

The biggest distinction lies in formality. Think of 但是 as “however” and 可是 as “but” in English. Both convey contrast, but one fits more formal situations.

• 但是 is formal: It shines in writing ,like essays, research papers, news articles, and formal speech ,like class presentations, interviews, announcements. For example:
  • A student’s essay: “互联网帮助我们学习，但是过度使用会影响视力” (The internet helps us study, but overuse can harm eyesight).A teacher’s announcement: “明天有考试，但是大家不必紧张” (There’s a test tomorrow, but everyone shouldn’t stress).
  Why? 但是 carries a sense of structure and seriousness, making it ideal for contexts where clarity and professionalism matter.
• 可是 is informal: It’s the go-to choice for daily conversations, text messages, or chats with friends. For example:
  • A teen talking to a friend: “我想去公园，可是我妈妈让我先做作业” (I want to go to the park, but my mom wants me to do homework first).A parent to a child: “这个玩具很有趣，可是太贵了” (This toy is fun, but it’s too expensive).
  可是 feels lighter and more conversational, matching the relaxed tone of casual interactions.

Formality Level: When to Choose 但是 Over 可是

The biggest distinction lies in formality. Think of 但是 as “however” and 可是 as “but” in English—both convey contrast, but one fits more formal situations.

Regional Preferences: Where 但是 and 可是 Are Most Common

Language use often varies by region, and 但是 / 可是 are no exception.

• Taiwan and Taipei: Locals frequently use 但是 (or its shorter form 但) in both formal and casual settings. As the original learner observed, 但是 feels more natural here, even in everyday talk. This regional preference isn’t a rule, but it’s a pattern worth noting if you live or study in Taiwan.
• Mainland China: Both words are widespread, but 可是 is slightly more common in casual speech. A Beijing student might say, “我想参加派对，可是我病了” (I want to go to the party, but I’m sick), while using 但是 in a classroom essay.
• Cantonese speakers: If you’re familiar with Cantonese, note that 但是 (or 但係 in Cantonese) is standard, while 可是 is rarely used. This aligns with broader patterns in Chinese dialects, where some conjunctions are more regionally specific.

Short Forms— 但 vs 但是 and 可 vs 可是

Learners often wonder if shorter versions work the same way.

但 (dàn) = 但是，but More Concise

但 is just a shorter form of 但是 and same meaning, but even more formal and snappy. It’s great for writing or tight, structured speech where brevity matters.

In casual chat, 但是 feels more natural than 但. A kid talking to their parent would likely say, “我想玩游戏，但是作业没写完” (I want to play games, but I haven’t finished homework) instead of using 但 . It flows better in relaxed conversation.

可 (kě) ≠ 可是 —Don’t Mix These Up

可 is not a short form of 可是. While you might 偶尔 hear phrases like “我想去，可没时间” (I want to go, but I have no time) in very casual talk, this is rare.

Most of the time, 可 is used for emphasis or to show “extremity” and think “really” or “absolutely” in English.

Stick to 可是 when you mean “but”and using 可 alone will likely confuse native speakers.

Real-Life Examples for K-12 Learners

Let’s put this into everyday scenarios students know well. Use this table to practice choosing the right word.

Tips to Master 但是 and 可是

For students, the key is to build intuition that knowing which word feels right in a situation without overthinking. Start with a simple check: Before speaking or writing, pause and ask yourself, “Is this a ‘school’ moment or a ‘friends and family’ moment?” School moments, like writing essays, giving presentations, or talking to teachers about assignments, usually call for 但是. It’s the safer choice when you want to sound clear and structured. On the flip side, chatting with friends about weekend plans, texting a sibling, or telling a parent about your day? Reach for 可是. It’s lighter, more conversational, and matches the relaxed vibe of casual chats.

Another great way to get the hang of it is to imitate native speakers. Turn on a kids’ show in Mandarin and listen closely. Notice how characters switch between 但是 and 可是: A teacher in the show might say, “今天有活动，但是大家要遵守规则” (There’s an activity today, but everyone must follow the rules) during class, but friends chatting after school might use 可是: “我想去玩，可是作业还没做完” (I want to play, but I haven’t finished homework). Repeat these lines out loud, mimicking the tone helps your brain link the word to the context.

Conclusion about 但是 vs 可是: It’s All About Feel

At the end of the day, 但是 and 可是 are more similar than different. The key is to match their tone to the situation: 但是 for formal moments, 可是 for casual ones, and 但 for snappy writing. Don’t worry if you mix them up sometimes, even native speakers do! With practice, you’ll start to “feel” which one fits, making your Mandarin sound smoother and more natural.f you want to master 但是，可是，and other tricky Mandarin words, WuKong Chinese offers courses for kids ages 3-18. 

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Jasmine | WuKong Chinese Teacher

With over a decade of dedication to the education sector, I specialize in educational innovation and practice, deeply researching the construction of the basic education ecosystem and the cultivation of students’ core competencies. Holding a Doctorate in Education from Beijing Normal University, I integrate theoretical research with frontline teaching, excelling in stimulating students’ internal learning motivation through interdisciplinary teaching methods. Guided by the mission of “enabling every child to embrace suitable education”, I promote educational equity and personalized development, helping students unlock infinite possibilities in their growth. I am committed to injecting vitality into the high – quality development of education with professional expertise.