可是
kě shì HSK 4

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

我想去,可是没时间。
Wǒ xiǎng qù, kěshì méi shíjiān.
I want to go, but I don't have time.
他很聪明,可是不努力。
Tā hěn cōngmíng, kěshì bù nǔlì.
He is very smart, but he doesn't work hard.
天气很好,可是很冷。
Tiānqì hěn hǎo, kěshì hěn lěng.
The weather is very good, but it's very cold.
我想去,可是没时间。
Wǒ xiǎng qù, kěshì méi shíjiān.
I want to go, but I have no time.
他很累,可是不休息。
Tā hěn lèi, kěshì bù xiūxi.
He is very tired, but he doesn't rest.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 可是 as 'can be' (from 可 kě, 'can') + 'is' (是 shì, 'is'), implying a shift: something 'can be' one way, 'but is' actually another. This highlights its role in introducing a contrasting reality.

📝 Usage Notes

可是 is common in both spoken and written Chinese, suitable for formal and informal contexts. It is widely used in everyday conversation, narratives, and academic writing to express contrast, often appearing at the beginning of a clause to highlight a contradiction or limitation.

📖 Grammar Points

可是 is typically used in the structure 'Clause 1, 可是 + Clause 2,' where Clause 2 presents a contrast. It can also pair with conjunctions like 虽然 (suīrán, 'although') in correlative structures, e.g., '虽然...可是...' to emphasize concession and contrast.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, using 可是 to express contrast is considered polite and clear, helping to navigate disagreements or nuances without sounding abrupt. It reflects a cultural preference for indirectness in stating opposing views.

🔄 Similar Words

可是 is similar to 但是 (dànshì) and 不过 (búguò), all meaning 'but.' 但是 is slightly more formal and emphatic, while 不过 is softer and often implies a milder contrast. 可是 is neutral in tone and very common in daily use.

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