What are the differences between “但是” (dànshì), “然而” (rán’ér), “可是” (kěshì), “不过” (búguò), and “只是” (zhǐshì)

The conjunctions “但是” (dànshì), “然而” (rán’ér), “可是” (kěshì), “不过” (búguò), and “只是” (zhǐshì) can all be translated as “however” in English, indicating a contrast or opposition. However, each of these conjunctions has its own usage and subtle differences in meaning. Understanding the meanings, commonalities, and distinctions between them will help make it easier to grasp their usage!

the general differences among “但是” (dànshì), “然而” (rán’ér), “可是” (kěshì), “只是” (zhǐshì), and “不过” (búguò)

Let’s take a look at the general differences among the verbs “但是” (dànshì), “然而” (rán’ér), “可是” (kěshì), “只是” (zhǐshì), and “不过” (búguò). For those who want a rough understanding, just these points will be sufficient.

1. Differences in the strength of contrast
2. Differences based on written or spoken language
3. Variations in the way of omission

Differences in the strength of contrast

Degree of Contrast:

Strong: 但是（但）(dànshì), 然而（而）(rán’ér), 可是（可）(kěshì) – “however”

Moderate: 不过 (búguò) – “but”

Weak: 只是 (zhǐshì) – “just”, “only”

Differences based on written or spoken language

Conjunction	Written Language	Spoken Language
但是（但）	ใช่	ใช่
然而（而）	ใช่
可是（可）	ใช่	ใช่
只是	ใช่	ใช่
不过	ใช่	ใช่

In the table above, “Yes” indicates the usage of each conjunction in the corresponding style, either written or spoken language.

Variations in the way of omission

These conjunctions can be abbreviated in certain cases:

但是 (dànshì) → 但 (dàn)

然而 (rán’ér) → 而 (ér)

可是 (kěshì) → 可 (kě)

detailed explanation of “但是” (dànshì), “然而” (rán’ér), “可是” (kěshì), “只是” (zhǐshì), and “不过” (búguò)

Contrast

First, what does “contrast” mean? Let’s focus on three key aspects that form the core of the meanings of the five contrasting conjunctions discussed in this article.

1. It serves as a connection between two sentences or clauses.
2. It establishes a relationship where the result or outcome presented in the following clause is different from what would be expected or predicted based on the preceding clause.
3. It indicates that the latter clause is more central or crucial.

“contrast” is used when the result or outcome in the latter clause does not align with what would be expected or predicted based on the preceding clause. In most cases, it signifies that the latter clause is more significant.

When viewed in this way, Chinese contrasting conjunctions have a similar role to the English words “however” , “although”, “but”.

Example:
虽然昨天下雨，但是今天应该会晴吧。
Although it rained yesterday, it should be sunny today.

The crucial point in this sentence lies in the latter part, “今天应该会晴吧” (it should be sunny today), while the first part serves as an introduction to emphasize the latter part. This highlights the role of contrasting conjunctions in emphasizing the latter clause (the subsequent sentence).

In Chinese, there are cases where the contrasting meaning can be conveyed even without using a conjunction. For example, in the following sentence, the meaning of “however” can be understood even without a contrasting conjunction:

Example:

我问了他好几次，他不告诉我。

I asked him several times, but he didn’t tell me.

In this case, although a contrasting conjunction like “但是” (dànshì) is not used, the sentence still carries the meaning of contrast.

Usage:

Here are two general characteristics of the usage of contrasting conjunctions:

1. They are always used at the beginning of the following clause.
2. The following clause may be accompanied by adverbs such as “却” (què), “还是” (háishì), or “仍然” (réngrán).

The five contrasting conjunctions are always used at the beginning of the following clause. The following example sentences are all grammatically correct:

Example:

我问了他好几次，但（是）他不告诉我。Wǒ wèn le tā hǎo jǐ cì, dàn (shì) tā bù gàosù wǒ. I asked him several times, but he didn’t tell me.

我问了他好几次，（然）而他不告诉我。Wǒ wèn le tā hǎo jǐ cì, (rán) ér tā bù gàosù wǒ. I asked him several times, yet he didn’t tell me.

我问了他好几次，可（是）他不告诉我。Wǒ wèn le tā hǎo jǐ cì, kě (shì) tā bù gàosù wǒ. I asked him several times, but he didn’t tell me

我问了他好几次，不过他不告诉我。Wǒ wèn le tā hǎo jǐ cì, bùguò tā bù gàosù wǒ. I asked him several times, but he didn’t tell me.

我问了他好几次，只是他不告诉我。Wǒ wèn le tā hǎo jǐ cì, zhǐshì tā bù gàosù wǒ. I asked him several times, only he didn’t tell me.

Additionally, the five contrasting conjunctions can be accompanied by adverbs such as “却” (què) meaning “however,” “还是” (háishì) meaning “still,” or “仍然” (réngrán) meaning “yet.”

Example:

我问了他好几次，但是（然而、可是…）他却/还是/仍然不告诉我。

I asked him several times; however, he still didn’t tell me.

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