ConjunctionsHSK 4
A softer "but" with 不过
The conjunction 不过 (bùguò) expresses a soft "but," linking two clauses to show a mild contrast. Use it when the second part offers a slight exception, correction, or unexpected twist. Place 不过 between the two clauses, not at the beginning of the whole sentence.
Structure
Clause 1 ， 不过 Clause 2
Examples
- 这件衣服我很喜欢，不过有点贵。Zhè jiàn yīfu wǒ hěn xǐhuan, bùguò yǒudiǎn guì.I like this piece of clothing, but it's a little bit expensive.
- 这家餐厅我没去过，不过我听说还不错。Zhè jiā cāntīng wǒ méi qù guo, bùguò wǒ tīngshuō hái bùcuò.I've never been to this restaurant, but I heard it's pretty good.
- 这个学生很聪明，不过有点懒。Zhège xuéshēng hěn cōngming, bùguò yǒudiǎn lǎn.This student is very smart, but he's a little lazy.
- 那儿的天气不太好，不过我们玩得很开心。Nàr de tiānqì bù tài hǎo, bùguò wǒmen wán de hěn kāixīn.The weather there was not very good, but we had a lot of fun.
- 他是东北人，不过他没有口音。Tā shì dōngběi rén, bùguò tā méiyǒu kǒuyīn.He's from the northeast, but he doesn't have the accent.