不过

• Pinyin: bù guò
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (bù) — not; 过 (guò) — to pass, to exceed, to cross

Meaning

But; however; only, merely. A mild adversative conjunction, softer than 但是.

Functions as a mild contrast word meaning 'but/however.' Can also mean 'only/merely' to downplay something. Very common in spoken Chinese.

Examples

1. 这本书很有意思，不过有点儿难。 This book is very interesting, but it's a bit difficult.
2. 我想去，不过今天太忙了。 I want to go, but I'm too busy today.
3. 他不过是个孩子，别太严格了。 He is only a child — don't be too strict with him.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken language, contrast, concession, downplaying

Tone: mild, conversational

Do Say

• 不错，不过还可以改进。(Not bad, but it can still be improved.)
• 他不过说了个玩笑。(He was only making a joke.)

Don't Say

• Avoid using 不过 in very formal written documents where 但是 or 然而 are more appropriate; 不过 has a conversational feel that may seem too casual.

Origin & History

Formed from 不 (bù, not) + 过 (guò, to pass/exceed). The sense of 'not exceeding' led to the meaning 'merely/only,' and the contrastive use developed from there.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal