可是
Meaning
可是 is a conjunction meaning “but”, “however”. It introduces a contrast between two ideas.
Pattern 1: 虽然……可是……
虽然 A, 可是 B → Although A, B
你怎么又想换工作了,这儿的收入不是挺高的吗?
虽然收入高,可是经常要加班,很少有时间和家人在一起
虽然很累,可是我很开心
Pattern 2: Sentence + 可是……
虽然 can be absent: you state one fact and then introduce the contrasting one.
小时候,大家都说我像我妈妈,尤其是性格
可是长大后,他们说我更像爸爸
我很想去,可是今天没有时间
当时她的父母和亲戚都不支持她,可是她坚持自己的选择
可是 vs. 但是 vs. 不过
虽然他很忙,可是他还是来帮我了
虽然他很忙,但是他还是来帮我了
Both sentences mean the same — the difference is register alone.
虽然很贵,可是我还是想买
我喜欢这辆车,不过太贵了
| 可是 | 但是 | 不过 |
|---|---|---|
| but | but, however | though, only |
| More conversational | Written, more formal | The softest |
| A strong contrast | Neutral | A mild reservation |
Remember:
可是 = but.
虽然……可是…… — Chinese keeps both words (English drops one).
It is among the commonest ways to say “but” in everyday speech.