How to write 但

但 [dàn] 1 只，仅，只是： 只愿如此。只要凡是；只分（只要）。 Only; just; merely: Just wish it would be so. As long as it is, only. 2 不过，可是： 工作虽辛苦，不过没有叫苦的。 However; but: Although the work is hard, there is no complaining. 3 徒然：“何徒然远走，亡匿于幕北苦寒无水草之地为？” In vain: "Why in vain go far away, to hide in the bitter cold place of no water and grass in the north?" 4 姓。 Surname. 【本义】: 脱去上衣，露出身体的一部分。经传皆以袒为之。②只，仅，不过 [Original meaning]: To remove the upper garment, exposing part of the body. All texts refer to this as “exposed.” 【造字法】: 形声。从人，旦声。 [Character composition]: Phono-semantic compound. From “person,” pronounced as "dàn." 1 表示范围，相当于“只”，“仅” [En. only] Indicates a range, equivalent to “only.” 2 只管，尽管 [En. feel free to] Feel free to, regardless. 3 只是；但是——表示转折 [En. but] Just; however—indicating contrast. 4 只要——表示假设或条件 [En. so long as] So long as—indicating assumption or condition. 引例: 1 《乐府诗集·木兰诗》：但闻黄河流水鸣溅溅。 "Only hear the sound of the Yellow River flowing splashing." 2 《史记·李斯传》：天下所以贵者，但以闻声。 "The reason why the world values things is simply based on their sound." 例子: 又如: 但已(仅此而已)；但凭(任凭；随便)；但可(只须)。 For example: but already (that’s all); but rely (let it be; casually); but can (only need to). 引例: 1 《红楼梦》：此系私室，但坐不妨。 "This is a private room, but feel free to sit." 引例: 1 曹丕《与吴质书》：公干有逸气，但未遒耳。 "Official business has a relaxed atmosphere, but it's not yet mature." 例子: 又如: 勤锻炼但不要过分。 For example: Exercise diligently but don't overdo it. 引例: 1 唐·王昌龄《出塞二首》：但使龙城飞将在，不教胡马度阴山。 "As long as the Flying General is in Dragon City, I won't let the Hu horses cross the Yin Mountains." 2 《警世通言》：但出牌呼妾，妾便出来。 "As long as you call the maid when you play cards, I will come out."