- used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned［用于引入与前面所述形成对比的短语和从句］：
- nevertheless; however然而, 不过：
he stumbled but didn't fall
他绊了一下, 但没有摔倒
this is one principle, but it is not the only one
这是一个原则, 但不是惟一的原则
the food is cheap but delicious
这食物虽便宜却好吃
but I digress.
但我离题了。
- on the contrary; in contrast相反：
the problem is not that they are cutting down trees, but that they are doing it in a predatory way.
问题不在于他们砍树, 而在于掠夺性地砍。
- with negative or in questions used to indicate the impossibility of anything other than what is being stated［用于表示没有别的可能］：
one cannot but sympathize
人们惟有同情
there was nothing they could do but swallow their pride
除了忍气吞声他们别无他法
what could he do but forgive her?
除了宽恕她之外他还能做什么呢？
- used to introduce a response expressing a feeling such as surprise or anger［用于引入惊讶或愤怒的反应］：
but that's an incredible saving!
但那是不可思议的节省！
but why?
那又为什么？
- used after an expression of apology for what one is about to say［用于表歉意后引入要说的话］：
I'm sorry, but I can't pay you.
抱歉, 我无法付你钱。
- with negative archaic without it being the case that〈古〉若不：
it never rains but it pours.
不下则已, 一下倾盆。
- except; apart from; other than除了：
we were never anything but poor
我们一直就是穷而已
used in all but the most remote areas
用于边远地区以外所有地区
the last but one.
倒数第二。
- used with repetition of certain words to give emphasis［用于重复某词语以示强调］：
nobody, but nobody, was going to stop her.
没有人, 真是没有人去阻止她。
- no more than; only仅仅：
he is but a shadow of his former self
他瘦得不成人形了
choose from a colourful array of mango, starfruit, and raspberries, to name but a few.
从一堆五颜六色的水果中选择, 有芒果、星果和覆盆子, 这里仅举几个例子。
- Austral./NZ & Scottish informal (used at the end of a sentence) though, however〈澳/新西兰, 苏格兰, 非正式〉［用于句尾］但是, 然而：
he was a nice bloke but.
不过, 他仍是个好人。
- an argument against something; an objection拒绝之理由; 反对：
no buts - just get out of here
别找借口——你给我出去
as with all these proposals, ifs and buts abound.
在所有这些建议中, “如果”、“但是”等词甚多。
all but
- 见ALL.
anything but
- 见ANYTHING.
but for
- except for除…以外：
I walked along Broadway, deserted but for the occasional cab.
我沿着百老汇走, 街上除了偶尔经过的出租车几乎空无一人。
- if it were not for要不是：
the game could be over but for you.
要不是你, 游戏可能已结束了。
but that
- archaic other than that; except that〈古〉若非：
who knows but that the pictures painted on air are eternal.
谁能说空中描绘的东西不能是永恒的呢？
but then
- on the other hand; that being但另一方面; 不过：
it's a very hard match, but then they all are.
这是一场非常艰苦的比赛, 不过所有比赛都如此。