不过 búguò

不过（búguò）means “but; however (a mild 'but', softer than 但是)”. 不过 marks a mild contrast or qualification and is softer and more colloquial than 但是. Formation: 分句1,不过+分句2

but; however (a mild 'but', softer than 但是)

HSK3

Formation

分句1,不过+分句2

Explanation

不过 marks a mild contrast or qualification and is softer and more colloquial than 但是. It usually opens the second clause. It often adds a small reservation rather than a strong opposition.

Examples

这件衣服很漂亮，不过有点儿贵。
zhè jiàn yīfu hěn piàoliang, búguò yǒudiǎnr guì.
This piece of clothing is pretty, but it's a little expensive.
我想去，不过今天没时间。
wǒ xiǎng qù, búguò jīntiān méi shíjiān.
I'd like to go, but I don't have time today.

Note

Softer and more spoken than 但是; often introduces a minor reservation.

FAQ

不过 — what does it mean and how is it used?

but; however (a mild 'but', softer than 但是). 不过 marks a mild contrast or qualification and is softer and more colloquial than 但是. It usually opens the second clause. It often adds a small reservation rather than a strong opposition.

不过 — how do you form it?

分句1,不过+分句2

不过 — any usage notes?

Softer and more spoken than 但是; often introduces a minor reservation.

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