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A softer "but" with 不过 ("bu4guo4")

不过 búguò

Conjunction
HSK 3

Structure

⋯⋯ ，不过 ⋯⋯

Translations

  • although
  • but
  • however

Definition

不过是一个转折连词，表示轻微的转折，相当于“但是”、“然而”，但语气比“但是”更柔和，常用于口语。

'不过' is a conjunction indicating a slight contrast, similar to 'but' or 'however', but with a softer tone, often used in spoken language.

Usage

用于连接两个分句，表示转折关系，通常前面叙述一个事实或观点，后面用“不过”引出与前文相反的或补充的内容。在口语中，“不过”可以独立使用，也可以放在句首。

It is used to connect two clauses with a contrastive relationship. Usually, a fact or opinion is stated first, then '不过' introduces the opposite or additional content. In spoken Chinese, it can be used independently or at the beginning of a sentence.

Examples

  • 1 他很聪明，不过有点懒。(He is very smart, but a little lazy.)
  • 2 这个菜很好吃，不过太辣了。(This dish is delicious, but too spicy.)
  • 3 我想去旅行，不过没有时间。(I want to travel, but I don't have time.)
  • 4 他的中文不错，不过发音还需要改进。(His Chinese is not bad, but his pronunciation still needs improvement.)
  • 5 你可以在网上买，不过要等几天到货。(You can buy it online, but it will take a few days to arrive.)

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