HSK 4
不过
bùguò
nevertheless
Structure
Statement 1 + ， + 不过 + Statement 2
How it works
"不过" is a conjunction used to indicate a turn in thought, similar to "but" or "however." It is slightly softer and more formal than "但是" (dànshì) or "可是" (kěshì), often used to add a qualifying remark or a slight contradiction to the previous statement.
Examples
这件衣服很漂亮，不过价格有点儿贵。
Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn piàoliang, bùguò jiàgé yǒudiǎnr guì.
This piece of clothing is very beautiful; however, the price is a bit expensive.
我已经打算去旅游了，不过还没定好去哪儿。
Wǒ yǐjīng dǎsuàn qù lǚyóu le, bùguò hái méi dìng hǎo qù nǎr.
I've already planned to go traveling, but I haven't decided where to go yet.
这家菜的味道很好，不过服务一般。
Zhè jiā cài de wèidào hěn hǎo, bùguò fúwù yìbān.
The food at this place tastes great, but the service is just average.
Common mistakes
Don't use '不过' and '但是' together in the same clause (e.g., repeating 'but but'), as they serve the same function.
Tip
While '但是' and '不过' are often interchangeable, use '不过' when you want to sound slightly more casual or when you are adding a 'minor catch' to a positive statement.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 不过 in real Chinese
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