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Using 但是 (but) Exercises in Chinese language

Student absorbed in language reference books at library table.

但是 (dànshì) is a commonly used conjunction in Mandarin Chinese that translates to "but" in English. This versatile word is essential for constructing complex sentences and expressing contrasting ideas in conversations. Mastering the use of 但是 can significantly enhance your fluency and help you communicate more effectively. Whether you are discussing plans, sharing opinions, or narrating events, knowing how to use 但是 correctly will allow you to seamlessly transition between different thoughts and add nuance to your statements. In this section, you will find a variety of grammar exercises specifically designed to help you practice using 但是 in different contexts. These exercises will guide you through various sentence structures and scenarios, enabling you to understand how 但是 functions within a sentence. By engaging with these activities, you will not only reinforce your grasp of this important conjunction but also improve your overall proficiency in Mandarin. Get ready to elevate your language skills and become more confident in expressing contrasts and contradictions in Chinese.

Exercise 1

1. 他很聪明，*但是*有时候很懒 (connects contrasting qualities). 2. 我想去看电影，*但是*我没有时间 (expresses a desire and a limitation). 3. 她喜欢吃甜食，*但是*她不喜欢巧克力 (expresses a preference and an exception). 4. 我们的老师很严格，*但是*他很关心我们 (describes a person with contrasting traits). 5. 我很累，*但是*我必须完成作业 (expresses a state and an obligation). 6. 天气很冷，*但是*他还是去跑步 (describes weather and an action). 7. 这个问题很难，*但是*我会努力解决 (describes a difficulty and an intention). 8. 她虽然很忙，*但是*她总是帮助别人 (contrasts a situation and a behavior). 9. 我喜欢运动，*但是*我不喜欢游泳 (expresses a hobby and a dislike). 10. 他很富有，*但是*他很谦虚 (describes wealth and humility).

Exercise 2

1. 他很聪明，*但是*他不努力 (conjunction for contrast). 2. 我喜欢这本书，*但是*我没时间读 (conjunction for contrasting ideas). 3. 她很漂亮，*但是*她很害羞 (conjunction to introduce an opposing fact). 4. 我想去旅行，*但是*我没有钱 (conjunction for a reason not to do something). 5. 我会说英语，*但是*我不会说法语 (conjunction for contrasting language abilities). 6. 他很高，*但是*他不喜欢打篮球 (conjunction for an unexpected contrast). 7. 我喜欢吃甜的，*但是*我不喜欢吃苦的 (conjunction to show a contrasting preference). 8. 天气很好，*但是*我生病了 (conjunction for contrasting situations). 9. 她想买这件衣服，*但是*她觉得太贵了 (conjunction for a reason against buying). 10. 他很有钱，*但是*他不幸福 (conjunction for contrasting wealth and happiness).

Exercise 3

1. 我很喜欢吃苹果，*但是*我不喜欢吃香蕉 (contrast conjunction). 2. 她很聪明，*但是*她有时候很懒 (contrast conjunction). 3. 我想去看电影，*但是*我没有时间 (contrast conjunction). 4. 他很努力工作，*但是*他的老板不满意 (contrast conjunction). 5. 今天的天气很好，*但是*我不能出去玩 (contrast conjunction). 6. 这个菜很辣，*但是*很好吃 (contrast conjunction). 7. 他很有钱，*但是*不幸福 (contrast conjunction). 8. 我很喜欢这个地方，*但是*我不能住在这里 (contrast conjunction). 9. 她很漂亮，*但是*不善良 (contrast conjunction). 10. 我们计划去旅行，*但是*下雨了 (contrast conjunction).