不过

bù guò
conjunctionIntermediate but, however
formalinformal

Used to introduce a contrasting statement or idea, similar to 'but' or 'however' in English.

天气不好,不过我们还是去了公园。

The weather was bad, but we still went to the park.

这本书很有趣,不过有点难懂。

This book is interesting, but it's a bit hard to understand.

💡

Often used to soften a contrast or provide a counterpoint to a previous statement.

Collocations

不过说but say不过是but is不过如此nothing more than

Related Phrases

不过如此phrase
nothing more than

💡Pro Tip

Positioning

Though it can appear at the beginning of a sentence, it is often placed after the subject or verb for smoother flow.

Gold Rule

Contrast Marker

Use '不过' to introduce a contrast or exception to a previous statement, similar to 'but' or 'however' in English.

📖Word Origin

Combination of '不' (not) and '过' (to pass), literally meaning 'not passing over' or 'not exceeding', used to introduce a contrasting idea.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce a contrast.

Word Breakdown

not
prefix
+
to pass
root
汉英词典