但 (dàn) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 但 (dàn) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 但 (dàn) means "but; yet". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 7 strokes and the radical 亻.

Q: How do you write 但 stroke by stroke?

但 has 7 strokes. The radical is 亻. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 但 and 仔?

但 (dàn) and 仔 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 但?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 亻. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 但?

Common words containing 但 include: 但是 (dàn shì) — but; however; 但愿 (dàn yuàn) — If only / I wish.; 不但 (bù dàn) — not only.

How to Write 但

The character 但 (dàn) is written with 7 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 亻 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

但 is pronounced dàn in Mandarin Chinese. It means but; yet.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 但 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 但

但是 dàn shì

but; however

但愿 dàn yuàn

If only / I wish.

不但 bù dàn

not only

Example Sentences

我想去，但是没钱。

wǒ xiǎng qù dàn shì méi qián

I want to go, but I don't have the money.

但愿明天不下雨。

dàn yuàn míng tiān bù xià yǔ

I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.

他不但聪明，还努力。

tā bù dàn cōng míng hái nǔ lì

He is not only smart but also hardworking.

Similar Characters

仔 zǎi

仕 shì

他 tā

Practice Writing 但 (dàn)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 但 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 但

What does 但 (dàn) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 但 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 但 and 仔?

What mistakes do learners make writing 但?

What common words use 但?

How to Write 但 (dàn)