but

1.而；相反used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before

I got it wrong. It wasn't the red one but the blue one.我弄错了。不是红的那个，是蓝的那个。

His mother won't be there, but his father might.他母亲不会去那里，但他父亲也许会去。

It isn't that he lied exactly, but he did tend to exaggerate.他不见得是真的说谎，但他的确是有意夸大。

2.然而；尽管如此however; despite this

I'd asked everybody but only two people came.每个人我都请了，却只来了两个人。

By the end of the day we were tired but happy.一天结束时，我们很累，但很高兴。

3.（表示歉意时说）used when you are saying sorry about sth

I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer.很抱歉，我不能再待下去了。

4.（引出下文，表示吃惊、生气或不同意）used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree

But that's not possible!但那是不可能的！

‘Here's the money I owe you.’ ‘But that's not right─it was only £10.’“这是我欠你的钱。”“但这不对呀，我只借了 10 英镑给你。”

5.除…外；只有except

I had no choice but to sign the contract.我别无选择，只好签了合同。

6.（重复字词前用，加强语气）used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it

Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.没有什么，绝对没有什么会使他改变主意。

7.（强调一贯真实）used to emphasize that sth is always true

She never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there(= she always thought of them) .她每次经过自己的旧居，都会想起在那里度过的幸福岁月。

He would have played but for a knee injury.他要不是膝部有伤的话，就上场了。

The square was empty but for a couple of cabs.除了几辆出租汽车外，广场上空空如也。

He would have played but for a knee injury.他要不是膝部有伤的话，就上场了。

The square was empty but for a couple of cabs.除了几辆出租汽车外，广场上空空如也。

He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.他可能同意，但也可能会意见完全相反。

She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year(= so it's not surprising) .她的意大利语讲得很流利。不过她毕竟在罗马生活过一年。

He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.他可能同意，但也可能会意见完全相反。

She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year(= so it's not surprising) .她的意大利语讲得很流利。不过她毕竟在罗马生活过一年。

What could he do but forgive her?(= that was the only thing possible)他不原谅她又能怎么办？

What could he do but forgive her?(= that was the only thing possible)他不原谅她又能怎么办？

1.除了；除…之外except; apart from

We've had nothing but trouble with this car.我们这辆车净出毛病。

The problem is anything but easy.这个问题一点也不简单。

Who but Rosa could think of something like that?除了罗莎，谁会想得到那种事？

Everyone was there but him.除他之外，大家都在。

I came last but one in the race(= I wasn't last but next to last) .我赛跑得了倒数第二名。

Take the first turning but one(= not the first one but the one after it) .在第二个拐弯处转弯。

1.只有；仅仅only

I don't think we'll manage it. Still, we can but try.我想我们应付不了这事。但不妨试试。

There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two.那里有很多名人：只提两个名字吧，有汤姆 ) 汉克斯和朱莉娅 ) 罗伯茨。

1.[usupl]借口；托辞a reason that sb gives for not doing sth or not agreeing

‘Let us have no buts,’ he said firmly. ‘You are coming.’“别找借口了。”他坚定地说，“你得来。”

With so many ifs and buts , it is easier to wait and see.有这么多托辞，还是静观其变吧。