但是 vs 可是 vs 不过 vs 只是

但是 (dànshì), 可是 (kěshì), 不过 (búguò), and 只是 (zhǐshì)， these four conjunctions all mean "but" or "however," but they differ in tone, strength, and usage.

但是 is often used in written Chinese, while 可是, 不过 and 只是 are mainly used in spoken Chinese.

The differences in the degree of transition can be illustrated in the following continuum: 但是 = 可是 > 不过 > 只是.

Here’s how to use them correctly:

1. 但是 (dànshì) – "But" (Strongest Contrast, Formal/Neutral)

Usage:

• Strong contrast between two opposing ideas.
• Often used in written Chinese and formal speech.
• Can be paired with 虽然 (suīrán, "although").

Examples:

• 虽然他很聪明，但是他不努力。
  (Suīrán tā hěn cōngmíng, dànshì tā bù nǔlì.)
  → "Although he’s smart, but he doesn’t work hard."
• 我想去，但是我没时间。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ méi shíjiān.)
  → "I want to go, but I don’t have time."

Key Points:
✔ Strongest "but" (like English "however").
✔ Often used with 虽然 (suīrán).
✔ More formal than 可是.

2. 可是 (kěshì) – "But" (Softer Contrast, More Spoken)

Usage:

• Similar to 但是, but slightly softer and more conversational.
• Common in spoken Chinese.
• Can also be used with 虽然 (suīrán).

Examples:

• 这个菜很好吃，可是太辣了。
  (Zhè ge cài hěn hǎochī, kěshì tài là le.)
  → "This dish is delicious, but it’s too spicy."
• 虽然很贵，可是质量很好。
  (Suīrán hěn guì, kěshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.)
  → "Although it’s expensive, but the quality is good."

Key Points:
✔ Softer than 但是 (more natural in speech).
✔ Can replace 但是 in most cases.

3. 不过 (búguò) – "But" (Mild Contrast, Often Downplays the Issue)

Usage:

• Mild contrast, often softens the disagreement.
• Can mean "however," "only," or "just".
• Often used to make a small correction or add a limitation.

Examples:

• 这件衣服不错，不过有点贵。 (Zhè jiàn yīfu búcuò, búguò yǒudiǎn guì.)
  → "This dress is nice, but it’s a bit expensive."
• 他中文说得很好，不过发音不太标准。
  (Tā Zhōngwén shuō de hěn hǎo, búguò fāyīn bú tài biāozhǔn.)
  → "His Chinese is good, but his pronunciation isn’t very standard."

Key Points:
✔ Weaker than 但是/可是 (like "though" or "however").
✔ Often downplays the second point.

4. 只是 (zhǐshì) – "Just," "Only," "But" (Minimizes the Issue)

Usage:

• Minimizes the second point (like "just" or "only").
• Often implies a small exception or limitation.

Examples:

• 这个计划很好，只是需要更多时间。
  (Zhè ge jìhuà hěn hǎo, zhǐshì xūyào gèng duō shíjiān.)
  → "This plan is good, just needs more time."
• 他很有钱，只是不太快乐。
  (Tā hěn yǒu qián, zhǐshì bú tài kuàilè.)
  → "He’s very rich, just not very happy."

Key Points:
✔ Weakest contrast (like "only" or "just").
✔ Often used to excuse or soften criticism.

5. Comparison Table

Final Summary

• 但是 (dànshì) (HSK2) → Strongest "but" (formal/written).
• 可是 (kěshì) (HSK4) → Softer "but" (spoken).
• 不过 (búguò) (HSK4) → Mild "but" (softens disagreement).
• 只是 (zhǐshì) (HSK4) → "Just/only" (minimizes the issue).