但是 vs. 可是

[Jamie]

Can someone explain the difference between 但是 and 可是, and give me an example of what kind of sentence you would use each of these in? Or are they close enough in meaning that you would just use your preference?

Thanks!

[skylee]

IMHO they are interchangeable. I don't think there is a difference between them.

Another term for "but" is "然而", which is more formal.

[Claw]

Don't forget 不過/不过!

[trooper]

According to one of my textbooks, 可是 and 但是 have the same meaning. The only difference is that 可是 is more colloquial.

[galitonwu]

"但是"的语气稍微强于"可是".

[889]

My 现代汉语虚词例释 Xiandai Hanyu Xuci Lishi (1986) says the words are basically the same, except that 可是 ke shi is more commonly used in 口语 kouyu.

[amperel]

Don't forget 不過/不过!

過 is the traditional version while 过 is the simplified version of the same word.

[Jamie]

889, you must have the same book as trooper.

Thanks very much everyone, very helpful!!

[Claw]

過 is the traditional version while 过 is the simplified version of the same word.

I know... that's why I wrote both. I was saying that 不過 also means "but" in addition to 但是, 可是, and 然而.

[shibo77]

The difference is very minute and are used mostly interchangeably nowadays.

不过bu2 guo4 -(conj) but, however, only.

可是ke3 shi4 -(conj) but, yet, however.

但是dan4 shi4 -(conj) but, yet, still, nevertheless.

然而ran2 er2 -(conj) yet, but, however.

These are used as conjunctions, 不过bu2 guo4 is probably the most informal, and 然而ran2 er2 is the most formal. In Classical Chinese, only 然而ran2 er2 is used, but only one character was/is needed, 然ran2 or 而er2. 而er2 is still used by some people in modern Chinese to give a classical flavour. 但dan4 is also used by some people in modern Chinese. to give a classical flavour, although incorrectly since Classical Chinese didn't use 但dan4 for "but". 可ke3 can also be used. Speaking of which, all this typing has made me thirsty.

-Shibo

[the__matrix]

可是 - I borrow your money, but when you need me give back,i said: I know i have to return your money,可是 I don't have money.可是 most use for human and animal.