但是
我想去，但是太忙了。
I want to go, but I'm too busy.
Used to introduce a contrast or exception to the previous statement.
这个电影很好看，但是太长了。
This movie is great, but it's too long.
我喜欢咖啡，但是不喜欢茶。
I like coffee, but I don't like tea.
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to contrast ideas.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Contrast with '但是' vs. '不过'
'但是' is more formal and neutral, while '不过' is slightly softer and more conversational. '但是' is preferred in formal writing, whereas '不过' is common in everyday speech.
Gold Rule
Positioning in Sentences
'但是' typically appears after the subject and before the verb or predicate. Example: '我喜欢这个，但是不喜欢那个。' (I like this, but I don't like that.)
Word Origin
The word '但是' is a compound formed by combining '但' (but, however) and '是' (to be). Historically, '但' evolved from Old Chinese '但' (only, merely) and later took on the meaning of 'but' in contrastive contexts.
Usage Notes
1. '但是' is more formal than '不过' or '可是' and is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. 2. It often appears at the beginning of a clause to introduce a contrasting idea.