不过 (softer 'but')

• 拼音: bùguò
• 结构: Statement ，不过 + Contrasting Statement
• 汉字拆解: 不 = 一 (one) + 下stroke (negation) ; 过 = 辶 (walk) + 寸 (inch)

含义

The conjunction 不过 (bùguò) is used to introduce a contrasting statement, similar to 'but' or 'however' in English. It carries a softer, more conversational tone than 但是, making it ideal for gently introducing a different perspective or minor reservation.

不过 is one of the most common ways to express 'but' in everyday Mandarin, and it feels lighter and less formal than 但是 or 可是. It is often used when the speaker wants to acknowledge something positive before adding a small caveat or different angle. Because of its softness, 不过 is especially common in spoken Chinese and casual writing. Learners sometimes confuse 不过 with 不过是, which means 'merely' or 'nothing more than' — these are distinct usages. When placed at the beginning of a clause, 不过 signals that what follows is a mild contrast rather than a strong objection.

例句

1. 这家餐厅的菜很好吃，不过价格有点高。
2. 他汉语说得不错，不过有时候声调不太准。
3. 今天天气很好，不过风有点大。

用法指南

语境: spoken, written, everyday

语气: conversational

正确说法

• 我想去旅行，不过最近工作太忙了。
• 她人很好，不过说话有点直接。
• 这部电影还可以，不过结尾有点让人失望。
• 我同意你的看法，不过有一点我想补充。

错误说法

• 不过他很累，他还是坚持工作。(不过 should not be placed at the very beginning to introduce a concessive clause — use 虽然 or 尽管 instead) → 虽然他很累，不过他还是坚持工作。
• 这件事不过很重要。(不过 is a conjunction linking two clauses, not an adverb modifying an adjective directly) → 这件事很重要，不过我们还需要讨论。

起源与历史

The word 不过 originally meant 'does not exceed' or 'nothing more than.' Over time, it evolved into a conjunction meaning 'but' or 'however,' retaining a sense of minimizing the contrast being introduced.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal