Learn Chinese Grammar - Part 2: 但是(dànshì=but) vs. 可是(kěshì=but) vs. 不过(bùguò= but):

If the following clause has a subject, 但是/不过must precede the subject, while 可是may precede or follow it.
Example:
I want to go to Poland but I don't have any money.
1.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland),可是(kěshì=but) 我(wǒ=I)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。(可是may precede the subject)
2.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland), 我(wǒ=I)可是(kěshì=but)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。(可是may follow the subject)
3.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland), 但是(dànshì=but)我(wǒ=I)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。(但是must precede the subject)
4.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland), 我(wǒ=I) 但是(dànshì=but)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。 (Wrong: 但是must not follow the subject)
5.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland), 不过(bùguò= but)我(wǒ=I)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。(不过must precede the subject)
6.  我(wǒ=I)想(xiǎng=to want)去(qù=to go)波兰(Bōlán=Poland), 我(wǒ=I) 不过(bùguò= but)没有(méiyǒu=have no)钱(qián=money)。(Wrong: 不过must not follow the subject)

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