那 and 但 for “In That Case” and “But”

Pattern

A：situation。 B：那 + suggestion / question · clause 1，但(是) + clause 2

Use 那 to build on what someone just said (“then, in that case”), and 但 or 但是 to bring in a contrast.

A：今天下雨了。 B：那我们明天去吧。

When to use 那 and 但 for “In That Case” and “But”

那 does two jobs. Before a measure word it means “that” (那本书). At the start of a clause, especially in a reply, it means “then, in that case”: it takes what the other person just said and draws a suggestion or a question from it: A：今天下雨了。B：那我们明天去吧。但 means “but”, just like 但是; it is a little shorter and is used in both speech and writing. Both come at the start of their clause, before the subject.

这件衣服很好看，但有点儿贵。

This piece of clothing looks nice, but it’s a bit expensive.

我很想去，但我明天要上课。

I’d really like to go, but I have class tomorrow.

外面下雨了，所以我们没去公园。

It was raining outside, so we didn’t go to the park.

虽然今天很冷，但是我们还是去跑步了。

Although it was cold today, we still went running.

Common traps

那 meaning “in that case” comes at the start of the clause, before the subject: 那我们明天去吧.
但 and 但是 begin the second clause; don’t put them at the end like English “though”.
那 + measure word means “that” (那个人); 那 + subject or question means “then” (那你去吧). Check what follows.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

A：这件太大了。 B：你试试那件吧

A: This one is too big. B: Then try that one

nà

Meanings

then, in that case (linking to what was just said)

Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

When to use 那 and 但 for “In That Case” and “But”

Common traps

Targeted drill

Keep this pattern in review.