不过
bú guò
But, however
How to say a softer “but” in Chinese with 不过 (bùguò)
⋯⋯，不过 (búguò) ⋯⋯
不过 (bù guò) — softer “but”
HSK 4Conjunctions
⋯⋯，不过 (búguò) ⋯⋯
HSK 4Conjunctions不过 (bù guò) — softer “but”
Rule structure
不过 (bùguò) is a conjunction meaning "but, however". It is softer and more colloquial than 但是 (dànshì) and often introduces a minor drawback.
Rule structure
不过 (bùguò) is a conjunction meaning "but, however". It is softer and more colloquial than 但是 (dànshì) and often introduces a minor drawback.
Examples
这部电影不错，不过有点长。
Zhè bù diànyǐng bùcuò, bùguò yǒudiǎn cháng.
This movie is not bad, but it’s a bit long.
这本书有点贵不过内容很好。
Zhè běnshū yǒudiǎn guì bùguò nèiróng hěn hǎo.
This book is a bit expensive, but the content is good.
Examples
这部电影不错，不过有点长。
Zhè bù diànyǐng bùcuò, bùguò yǒudiǎn cháng.
This movie is not bad, but it’s a bit long.
这本书有点贵不过内容很好。
Zhè běnshū yǒudiǎn guì bùguò nèiróng hěn hǎo.
This book is a bit expensive, but the content is good.
Practice
Build the sentence
Drag the characters to put them in the correct order
Characters
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “softer ‘but’” in Chinese with 不过?
Use the structure: ⋯⋯，不过 (búguò) ⋯⋯. For example: 这部电影不错，不过有点长。 — “This movie is not bad, but it’s a bit long”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这部电影不错，不过有点长。 — “This movie is not bad, but it’s a bit long”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 4 grammar rules
而 — connecting qualities
Adj. 1 + 而 (ér) + Adj. 2
来 — linking method to purpose
(用 (yòng) / 通过 (tōngguò)) + Method + 来 (lái) + Purpose
再说 — in addition, besides
⋯⋯，再说 (zàishuō)，⋯⋯
还有 — in addition
⋯⋯，还有 (háiyǒu) + Additional Information
但是 — but, however
但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì) / 不过 (bùguò) / 然而 (rán'ér)
于是 — and then
⋯⋯，于是 (yúshì) ⋯⋯
另外 — in addition
⋯⋯，另外 (lìngwài)，⋯⋯
全 — whole, entire
全 (quán) + Measure Word + Noun