不过

• 拼音: bù guò
• 汉字拆解: 不 (bù) — not; 过 (guò) — to pass, to exceed, to cross

含义

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.

例句

1. 这本书很有意思，不过有点儿难。
2. 我想去，不过今天太忙了。
3. 他不过是个孩子，别太严格了。

用法指南

语境: spoken language, contrast, concession, downplaying

语气: mild, conversational

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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.

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal