Chinese Contrast Connectors: How to Say 'However' and 'On the Other Hand' in Mandarin
Learn to link contrasting ideas in Mandarin with 但是, 不过, 可是, 然而, and 另一方面. Master placement, register, and natural usage at the intermediate level.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you speak or write Chinese, you often need to present two sides of a situation. English uses words like 'however' and 'on the other hand' to signal contrast. Mandarin has its own set of contrast connectors, and they are not interchangeable. Some are common in conversation, others sound formal and written. Some go at the start of a clause, others must follow the subject. In this lesson, you will learn five essential contrast connectors: 但是 (dànshì), 不过 (búguò), 可是 (kěshì), 然而 (rán'ér), and 另一方面 (lìng yī fāngmiàn). You will see where each one goes in a sentence, how polite or formal it sounds, and how to use them to link ideas smoothly. By the end, you will be able to contrast opinions, facts, and plans without sounding like a textbook.
By the end, you can…
- use 但是, 不过, 可是, 然而, and 另一方面 to connect contrasting ideas in Mandarin.
- choose the right contrast connector based on whether I am speaking casually or writing formally.
- place contrast connectors correctly in a sentence, including after the subject when needed.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
但是
but; however
dànshì
The most common contrast connector. It can start a clause or follow the subject. Used in both speech and writing.
不过
but; however; though
búguò
Softer and more conversational than 但是. Often used to add a mild contrast or correction. Very common in spoken Mandarin.
可是
but; yet
kěshì
Similar to 但是 but slightly more emotional or emphatic. Common in conversation and informal writing.
然而
however; nevertheless
rán'ér
Formal and mostly written. Used in news, essays, and reports. Avoid in casual speech unless you want a dramatic tone.
另一方面
on the other hand
lìng yī fāngmiàn
Introduces a second, contrasting aspect. Often paired with 一方面 (on one hand). Works in both formal and neutral contexts.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Contrast connectors in Mandarin usually link two clauses. The most basic pattern is: Clause A + connector + Clause B. For example: 我想去，但是我没有时间。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.) 'I want to go, but I don't have time.' Notice that 但是 can also come after the subject of the second clause: 我虽然想去，但是我没有时间。 This is less common but grammatical. 不过 and 可是 follow the same pattern. 然而 is more formal and often appears at the beginning of a sentence: 然而，情况并不简单。 (Rán'ér, qíngkuàng bìng bù jiǎndān.) 'However, the situation is not simple.' 另一方面 often pairs with 一方面: 一方面我想省钱，另一方面我又想买新手机。 (Yī fāngmiàn wǒ xiǎng shěng qián, lìng yī fāngmiàn wǒ yòu xiǎng mǎi xīn shǒujī.) 'On one hand I want to save money; on the other hand I want to buy a new phone.'
When to use it
Choose your connector based on register and nuance. In everyday conversation, 但是 and 不过 are your safest choices. 不过 is softer and often used to make a polite disagreement: 这个菜很好吃，不过有点辣。 (Zhège cài hěn hǎochī, búguò yǒudiǎn là.) 'This dish is delicious, but it's a bit spicy.' 可是 adds a tone of surprise or frustration: 他说会来，可是他没来。 (Tā shuō huì lái, kěshì tā méi lái.) 'He said he would come, but he didn't.' Use 然而 in formal writing, such as reports or academic essays: 我们努力了，然而结果并不理想。 (Wǒmen nǔlì le, rán'ér jiéguǒ bìng bù lǐxiǎng.) 'We worked hard; however, the result was not ideal.' 另一方面 is perfect for presenting a balanced view, especially in discussions or presentations. It does not carry the same 'but' force as 但是; it simply adds another perspective.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
我想去旅行，但是我的工作太忙了。
I want to travel, but my work is too busy.Wǒ xiǎng qù lǚxíng, dànshì wǒ de gōngzuò tài máng le.我理解。不过，你可以周末去附近的城市玩。
I understand. However, you could go to a nearby city on the weekend.Wǒ lǐjiě. Búguò, nǐ kěyǐ zhōumò qù fùjìn de chéngshì wán.可是周末人太多了，而且酒店也很贵。
But there are too many people on weekends, and hotels are expensive too.Kěshì zhōumò rén tài duō le, érqiě jiǔdiàn yě hěn guì.另一方面，淡季旅行更便宜，人也少。
On the other hand, traveling in the off-season is cheaper and less crowded.Lìng yī fāngmiàn, dànjì lǚxíng gèng piányi, rén yě shǎo.A little context goes a long way
In Chinese communication, direct disagreement can feel abrupt. Using softer connectors like 不过 or 可是 helps maintain harmony. 但是 is neutral and widely acceptable, while 然而 may sound distant or academic in casual talk. When writing formally, 然而 and 另一方面 are preferred. In spoken Mandarin, 不过 is extremely common and often signals a polite counterpoint rather than a strong objection. Pay attention to the tone: a gentle 不过 can make a suggestion sound friendly, while a sharp 但是 can sound confrontational. Choose your connector to match both your relationship with the listener and the setting.
One thing to watch for
Using 然而 in casual conversation because it translates 'however' and sounds sophisticated.
Try this instead: 然而 is too formal for everyday speech and can sound unnatural or sarcastic. In conversation, use 但是 or 不过 instead. For example, say 我想去，但是我没时间。 rather than 我想去，然而我没时间。 The latter sounds like a written essay.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Fill in the blank with the most natural spoken connector: 这个房子很漂亮，____太贵了。
Show a sample answer
不过
不过 is the best choice here because it softens the contrast in a conversational context. 但是 is also possible, but 不过 sounds more natural and polite. 然而 would be too formal.
2Which connector is most appropriate in a formal written report? 我们尝试了多种方法，____问题依然存在。
Show a sample answer
然而
然而 is the standard formal connector for written Chinese. 但是 could also work, but 然而 matches the academic tone better. 不过 would be too casual.
3Translate into Chinese using 另一方面: 'On the other hand, we also need to consider the cost.'
Show a sample answer
另一方面，我们也需要考虑成本。
另一方面 introduces a contrasting point. The structure 另一方面 + subject + verb is correct. You could also say 另一方面，我们也要考虑成本。 Both are acceptable.
Use 但是 and 不过 for everyday contrast, 可是 for emotional emphasis, 然而 for formal writing, and 另一方面 to present a balanced second point. Match the connector to the situation, and place it correctly in the clause.
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