In context
Example sentences
我想去，但是没时间。
Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì méi shíjiān.
I want to go, but I don't have time.
Keep going
Related words
Grammar notes
HSK levels
但是: HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting of the new exam is announced for 13 December 2026, for HSK 1 to 6. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
Study this word
Keep 但是 for good.
HSK Lord shows you this card again right before you would forget it, so each review is short and the word stays with you.
Add to my deck, free
10 new cards a day on the free plan, no credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
但是 (dàn shì) means "but; however" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 2.
但是 is pronounced "dàn shì" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.
但是 is an HSK 2 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam.
但是 is made up of the characters 但, 是. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.
You can practice writing 但是 using our stroke order tool.
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.