不过
Traditional: 不過
bù guò HSK 4

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

我想去,不过没时间。
Wǒ xiǎng qù, búguò méi shíjiān.
I want to go, but I don't have time.
他很好,不过有点忙。
Tā hěn hǎo, búguò yǒudiǎn máng.
He is very nice, but a bit busy.
菜好吃,不过太贵了。
Cài hǎo chī, búguò tài guì le.
The food is delicious, but too expensive.
不过我不去。
Búguò wǒ bú qù.
However, I won't go.
不过太贵了。
Búguò tài guì le.
But it's too expensive.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 不过 as 'not passing' a point—it signals a slight turn or limitation in the conversation, like saying 'just that' to hold back from full opposition.

📝 Usage Notes

Common in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It's often used to politely correct, add nuance, or downplay a previous statement, making it less abrupt than 但是. Typical in conversations, essays, and narratives.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used in the pattern '虽然...不过...' to mean 'although... but...' (e.g., 虽然贵,不过质量好). It can also start a sentence to contrast with prior context. Not used with 可是 or 但是 in the same clause.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects Chinese communication style of indirectness or politeness, as 不过 softens disagreement or criticism, making it socially smoother. It's common in modest or diplomatic speech.

🔄 Similar Words

但是 (dànshì) is a stronger 'but' for clear contrast; 可是 (kěshì) is similar to 但是 but slightly softer; 不过 is the mildest, often implying 'just that' or a minor exception. 然而 (rán'ér) is more formal/literary.

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