Chinese word

可是

Pronunciation

Pinyinkě shì

Meaning

  • conjunctionbut

Example

我想去，可是下雨了。wǒ xiǎng qù kě shì xià yǔ le

I want to go, but it is raining.

Illustration for 可是 (but)

More examples

外面下雨，可是他还是去上班。wài miàn xià yǔ kě shì tā hái shì qù shàng bān

It is raining outside, but he still goes to work.

Core concept

A bridge from one expected direction to a different or restricted outcome.

Common phrases

  • 我想...，可是...wǒ xiǎng kě shì

    I want to ___, but ___

  • 我很想...，可是...wǒ hěn xiǎng kě shì

    I really want to ___, but ___

  • 他想...，可是...tā xiǎng kě shì

    he wants to ___, but ___

Similar words

但是dàn shì: A connector that introduces a fact contrary to expectations and moves the discussion on.
不过bú guò: A spoken connector for adding a light exception or contrast to what has just been said.

Definition in Chinese

表示前后转折关系的连词，用以连接前一分句的愿望、判断或事实与后一分句的相反或限制情况，口语色彩较浓。biǎo shì qián hòu zhuǎn zhé guān xì de lián cí yòng yǐ lián jiē qián yì fēn jù de yuàn wàng pàn duàn huò shì shí yǔ hòu yì fēn jù de xiāng fǎn huò xiàn zhì qíng kuàng kóu yǔ sè cǎi jiào nóng

Word origin

The conjunction 可是 (kěshì, "but") grew from the components 可 (kě, "possible") + 是 (shì, "be"), which together became a fixed expression for saying that the next fact changes the picture.

Usage tips

  • Its conversational tone fits moments when a speaker adds a mild complaint or surprise, not only a formal contrast.

Word lists with this word