What is the difference between 可是（kě shì), 但是 (dàn shì), and 不过 (bú guò) in Chinese?

What is the difference between 可是（kě shì）， 但是 （dàn shì）， and 不过 （bú guò） in Chinese? I know they all mean ‘but‘， so what is the difference?

可是 is a “but” used more like “although”. you could say is a weaker “but”

但是 is the strongest “but” out there, can be used as “but”, though it sounds more like a “however”, and is used for more dramatic effect after pauses in the utterance.

不过 is also somewhat similar “although”, but it’s more used when indicating a small detail that cannot be missed . something like “bear in mind that”. Also used as 只不过…而已 , as in “it’s only that…” when introducing a sentence contrary to what you just said.

But yeah, it’s about getting a feel for the language. 语感， if you will. Remember that 但是 is the strongest. Then it’s up to you concerning how strong you use the word.