§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Alright, let's talk about 不过 (búguò). You're going to hear this a lot in Chinese conversations, and it's super useful. At its core, 不过 means 'but' or 'however'. It's a conjunction, which means it connects ideas. Think of it like this: you're saying something, and then you want to add a contrasting or slightly different idea. That's where 不过 comes in handy.
The most common way you'll use 不过 is to introduce a mild turn in the conversation or a slight reservation about what you just said. It's not usually for a huge, dramatic contrast, but rather for a softer 'on the other hand' or 'having said that'.
- DEFINITION
- but, however
Let's look at an example to make this clear. Imagine you're talking about a movie:
这部电影很好看，不过有点长。
Here, you're saying the movie is good, but it's a bit long. The 'but' isn't negating the whole idea that the movie is good; it's just adding a small point of difference. It's a common structure: [positive statement], 不过 [slight negative or differing point]. Or it can be [general statement], 不过 [more specific detail].
这个饭馆的菜很好吃，不过有点贵。
This means: "The food at this restaurant is delicious, however, it's a bit expensive." Again, it's a mild contrast. You're not saying the food is bad; you're just adding a piece of information that might be a drawback for some.
You can also use 不过 to soften a direct statement or to introduce a new thought that slightly shifts the focus. It's a way of being polite or offering an alternative perspective without being confrontational.
我觉得可以去，不过你得先问问你妈妈。
Here, "I think we can go, but you have to ask your mom first." The speaker is giving their approval but adding a condition. It's a common usage where the second clause introduced by 不过 presents a condition, a restriction, or a requirement related to the first clause.
So, when should you use 不过? Basically, any time you want to present a contrast that isn't a direct contradiction. It's perfect for:
- Adding a small detail that qualifies your previous statement.
- Expressing a mild reservation or objection.
- Introducing a condition or a limitation.
- Softening a statement.
Let's practice with a few more quick examples to solidify this.
他很聪明，不过有点懒。
Translation: "He is very smart, but a bit lazy." Here, 'lazy' is a minor drawback to 'smart'.
天气很好，不过风有点大。
Translation: "The weather is great, however, the wind is a bit strong." Again, a nice day, just a small detail about the wind.
Remember, the key is the *mildness* of the contrast. If you're expressing a strong opposition or a complete change of mind, you might lean towards 可是 (kěshì) or 但是 (dànshì). For those everyday, subtle shifts in conversation, 不过 is your go-to. It makes your Chinese sound more natural and nuanced. Start listening for it and try to incorporate it into your own speaking and writing. You'll sound much more like a native speaker.
Curiosidade
The character '过' (guò) is also used to indicate past tense in Chinese, adding to its versatility.
Nível de dificuldade
short
short
short
short
O que aprender depois
Aprenda a seguir
Dicas
Basic Usage of 不过
Think of 不过 as a softer but or however. It introduces a turn in thought or a slight contrast.
不过 vs. 可是/但是
While similar to 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì), 不过 (búguò) often implies a milder contrast or a less strong opposition. It can also introduce a reservation or a limitation.
Placement in a Sentence
不过 usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, after a comma or a pause. For example: 他很聪明，不过有点懒。 (Tā hěn cōngmíng, búguò yǒudiǎn lǎn.) – He is very smart, but a little lazy.
Adding a Caveat
Use 不过 to add a caveat or a small detail that slightly modifies the previous statement. It's like saying '...however, there's this one thing.'.
Softening Negative Information
When delivering something that might be perceived as slightly negative, 不过 can help soften the blow. For example: 这个菜很好吃，不过有点辣。 (Zhège cài hěn hǎochī, búguò yǒudiǎn là.) – This dish is very tasty, but a little spicy.
Informal and Conversational
不过 is very common in everyday conversation. It makes your Chinese sound more natural and fluent.
Expressing a Shift in Topic
Sometimes, 不过 can be used to simply shift the topic slightly or add an afterthought, rather than a direct contradiction.
Practice with Simple Sentences
Start by combining two simple sentences with contrasting ideas. Focus on sentences where the 'but' isn't a strong opposition, but a mild difference.
Don't Overuse
While versatile, don't use 不过 for every 'but'. Remember 可是 and 但是 for stronger contrasts or when you want to emphasize the opposition.
Listen for Native Speakers
Pay attention to how native speakers use 不过 in different contexts. You'll notice it often implies a subtle nuance that other 'buts' don't capture.
Origem da palavra
Comes from the combination of '不' (bù), meaning 'not', and '过' (guò), meaning 'to pass' or 'to exceed'.
Significado original: Originally meant 'not to exceed' or 'nothing more than'.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, MandarinContexto cultural
When used as 'but' or 'however', 不过 introduces a slight turn or qualification in conversation. It's less formal and softer than '但是' (dànshì) for 'but'. You'll hear it a lot in daily chats.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Expressing a slight reservation or a gentle counter-point after a positive statement.
- 这个饭很好吃，不过有点儿贵。(This food is very delicious, but it's a bit expensive.)
- 他很聪明，不过不太努力。(He is very smart, but he doesn't work very hard.)
- 今天天气很好，不过风有点儿大。(The weather is very good today, but the wind is a bit strong.)
Introducing a new topic or a shift in the conversation, often implying 'anyway' or 'having said that'.
- 我们已经聊了很多工作，不过，你最近怎么样？(We've talked a lot about work, but, how have you been recently?)
- 这部电影很长，不过值得一看。(This movie is very long, but it's worth watching.)
- 我喜欢喝咖啡，不过，有时候也喝茶。(I like to drink coffee, but sometimes I also drink tea.)
Providing a disclaimer or an exception to a general statement.
- 学中文很难，不过只要坚持就能学会。(Learning Chinese is difficult, but as long as you persevere, you can learn it.)
- 大多数人都喜欢夏天，不过我更喜欢秋天。(Most people like summer, but I prefer autumn.)
- 这件衣服很漂亮，不过对我来说太小了。(This dress is very beautiful, but it's too small for me.)
Softening a negative statement or criticism.
- 他的建议很好，不过，我觉得还有改进的空间。(His suggestion is good, but I think there's still room for improvement.)
- 这首歌很好听，不过，我觉得歌词有点儿伤感。(This song is very pleasant to listen to, but I feel the lyrics are a bit sad.)
- 这道菜味道不错，不过有点儿咸。(This dish tastes good, but it's a bit salty.)
Contradicting a previous statement or expectation.
- 我以为他会来，不过他没来。(I thought he would come, but he didn't.)
- 听说那里很冷，不过我没觉得。(I heard it was very cold there, but I didn't feel it.)
- 我本来打算今天去，不过现在没时间了。(I originally planned to go today, but now I don't have time.)
Iniciadores de conversa
"你最近有什么想做，不过还没做的事情吗？(Is there anything you've wanted to do recently, but haven't done yet?)"
"你有什么喜欢的东西，不过也有不喜欢的地方？(Is there anything you like, but also have parts you dislike?)"
"你有什么曾经以为很难，不过后来发现其实很简单的事情？(Is there anything you once thought was very difficult, but later found out was actually very simple?)"
"你有没有遇到过一个地方很好玩，不过交通不太方便的情况？(Have you ever encountered a place that was very fun, but the transportation wasn't very convenient?)"
"你觉得学习中文有什么挑战，不过你觉得最有趣的部分是什么？(What challenges do you find in learning Chinese, but what do you think is the most interesting part?)"
Temas para diário
描述一次你期待某个活动，不过结果却出乎意料的经历。(Describe an experience where you anticipated an activity, but the outcome was unexpected.)
写下你对某个地方的看法。它有哪些优点，不过又有哪些不足？(Write down your thoughts on a particular place. What are its advantages, but also its shortcomings?)
反思一个你曾经觉得很难的技能，不过通过练习你已经掌握了。分享你的学习过程。(Reflect on a skill you once found difficult, but have now mastered through practice. Share your learning process.)
描述一个你很喜欢的人，不过他/她有一些你不太理解的习惯。(Describe someone you like very much, but he/she has some habits you don't quite understand.)
你最近有什么计划，不过可能需要做出一些调整？(Do you have any recent plans, but might need to make some adjustments?)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasBoth 不过 (bùguò) and 可是 (kěshì) mean 'but' or 'however', and they are often interchangeable. However, 可是 can sometimes feel a little stronger or more emphatic than 不过. Think of it this way: 不过 is more like a gentle 'but', while 可是 can be a more direct 'but'.
For example:
我想去，不过我没时间。(Wǒ xiǎng qù, bùguò wǒ méi shíjiān.) - I want to go, but I don't have time. (Gentle)
我想去，可是我没时间。(Wǒ xiǎng qù, kěshì wǒ méi shíjiān.) - I want to go, but I don't have time. (Slightly more direct)
This is a great question because they both can be translated as 'just' or 'only' in some contexts, but they serve different grammatical functions.
不过 (bùguò) as a conjunction introduces a contrasting or qualifying idea, similar to 'but' or 'however'.
这个菜很好吃，不过有点儿辣。(Zhège cài hěn hǎochī, bùguò yǒudiǎn'er là.) - This dish is delicious, but a little spicy.
只是 (zhǐshì) often functions as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'just', or it can introduce a minor reason or explanation, like 'it's just that...'.
我只是想看看。(Wǒ zhǐshì xiǎng kànkàn.) - I just want to look.
她很好，只是有点儿害羞。(Tā hěn hǎo, zhǐshì yǒudiǎn'er hàixiū.) - She is good, it's just that she's a bit shy.
So, if you're introducing a contrasting idea, use 不过. If you're emphasizing 'only' or giving a minor explanation, use 只是.
Yes, absolutely! Just like 'however' or 'but' in English, 不过 can start a sentence to introduce a contrasting idea or a shift in topic.
For example:
这个工作很难。不过，我很喜欢。(Zhège gōngzuò hěn nán. Bùguò, wǒ hěn xǐhuan.) - This job is difficult. However, I like it very much.
If you're looking for something a bit more formal, you can use 然而 (rán'ér). It also means 'however' or 'but', and you'll often see it in written Chinese or more formal speeches. 不过 is perfectly fine in most everyday conversations and writing.
For example:
他很努力，然而结果不理想。(Tā hěn nǔlì, rán'ér jiéguǒ bù lǐxiǎng.) - He worked very hard, however the results were not ideal.
Yes, it does! While its primary use as a conjunction is 'but' or 'however', 不过 can also be used as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'merely', often emphasizing a small amount or degree. This usage is less common for learners at A2, but it's good to be aware of it.
For example:
我不过是开个玩笑。(Wǒ bùguò shì kāi gè wánxiào.) - I was only joking.
他不过是个孩子。(Tā bùguò shì gè háizi.) - He is merely a child.
不过 generally has a softer, more gentle tone compared to 可是. It introduces a turn in thought or a mild concession without creating a strong sense of opposition. It's often used for a slight qualification or a minor contrast.
Consider the nuances:
这个电影不错，不过有点长。(Zhège diànyǐng bùcuò, bùguò yǒudiǎn cháng.) - This movie is good, but a bit long. (Soft, casual observation)
这个电影不错，可是有点长。(Zhège diànyǐng bùcuò, kěshì yǒudiǎn cháng.) - This movie is good, but a bit long. (Slightly more emphasis on the length as a drawback)
Absolutely! 不过 is very common in everyday casual conversation. It's a natural and fluent way to express 'but' or 'however' in spoken Chinese. You'll hear native speakers use it all the time.
The most common pattern is simply connecting two clauses where the second clause introduces a contrasting or qualifying idea. It works just like 'but' in English.
Pattern: [Statement 1]，不过 [Statement 2]。
Example:
她很漂亮，不过她脾气不太好。(Tā hěn piàoliang, bùguò tā píqì bù tài hǎo.) - She is very pretty, but her temper is not very good.
Like 可是, 但是 (dànshì) is generally stronger and more emphatic than 不过. While all three mean 'but/however', 但是 conveys a more direct and sometimes stronger contrast or opposition. It's also very common.
Think of the scale:
不过 (bùguò): gentle 'but', mild contrast.
可是 (kěshì): a bit stronger 'but', more direct.
但是 (dànshì): strong 'but', clear contrast/opposition.
For example:
这个方法很好，不过有点复杂。(Zhège fāngfǎ hěn hǎo, bùguò yǒudiǎn fùzá.) - This method is good, but a bit complex. (Mild)
这个方法很好，但是太复杂了。(Zhège fāngfǎ hěn hǎo, dànshì tài fùzá le.) - This method is good, but it's too complex. (Stronger emphasis on the complexity).
The most common mistake is overthinking the subtle differences between 不过, 可是, and 但是. At the A2 level, focus on understanding that 不过 primarily introduces a mild contrast or qualification. Don't worry too much about always picking the 'perfect' one – often, they are interchangeable. Another mistake is forgetting that it can start a sentence. Just practice using it to connect two ideas that have a slight 'but' relationship, and you'll be fine.
Teste-se 48 perguntas
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 我喜欢吃苹果，___ 不喜欢吃香蕉。
The sentence expresses a contrast: 'I like apples, but I don't like bananas.' '不过' means 'but' or 'however', which fits this context.
Which word best connects these two ideas: 他想去北京，___ 他的朋友想去上海。
There's a contrast between where he wants to go and where his friend wants to go. '不过' (but/however) is the most appropriate connector.
Select the correct option: 这件衣服很漂亮，___ 有点贵。
The sentence presents a beautiful dress but a downside (expensive). '不过' (but/however) correctly introduces the contrasting information.
The sentence '他很高兴，不过他很累' means 'He is happy, but he is tired.'
'不过' means 'but' or 'however', so the translation is correct.
In Chinese, '不过' can be used to show a reason for something.
'不过' is used to show contrast or turn, not a reason. Words like '因为' (because) are used for reasons.
You can use '不过' to connect two opposite ideas, like '冷' (cold) and '热' (hot).
'不过' is used to introduce a contrasting or opposite idea, making it suitable for connecting 'cold' and 'hot' in a sentence like '外面很冷，不过房间里很热' (It's cold outside, but it's warm in the room).
她很喜欢学习中文，___ 汉字很难写。
The sentence expresses a contrast between liking to learn Chinese and the difficulty of writing characters. '但是' (dànshì) means 'but' or 'however', fitting the context perfectly. '所以' (suǒyǐ) means 'so', '因为' (yīnwèi) means 'because', and '而且' (érqiě) means 'moreover' or 'in addition to'.
这本书很有趣，___ 有点儿贵。
The sentence presents a contrast: the book is interesting, but it's a bit expensive. '不过' (búguò) means 'but' or 'however', which is suitable for this situation. '和' (hé) means 'and', '或者' (huòzhě) means 'or', and '都' (dōu) means 'all'.
他会说一点儿汉语，___ 说得不太流利。
Here, '不过' (búguò) introduces a contrasting idea: he can speak some Chinese, but not very fluently. '然而' (rán'ér) is also 'however' but more formal. '于是' (yúshì) means 'thereupon' or 'as a result', and '不但' (búdàn) means 'not only'.
这家饭馆的菜很好吃，___ 总是很多人。
The sentence describes the food being delicious, followed by a contrasting point that there are always many people. '但是' (dànshì) means 'but' or 'however', which correctly connects these two ideas. '所以' (suǒyǐ) means 'so', '因为' (yīnwèi) means 'because', and '虽然' (suīrán) means 'although'.
天气预报说今天会下雨，___ 我出门的时候没有带伞。
The sentence shows a contrast between the weather forecast and the action taken. '不过' (búguò) meaning 'but' or 'however' is the appropriate connector. '因此' (yīncǐ) means 'therefore', '尽管' (jǐnguǎn) means 'even though', and '而且' (érqiě) means 'moreover'.
他很想去中国旅游，___ 工作很忙，没有时间。
The sentence expresses a desire to travel to China, but a contrasting reason (busy with work) prevents it. '但是' (dànshì) means 'but' or 'however', making it the correct choice. '或者' (huòzhě) means 'or', '并且' (bìngqiě) means 'and' or 'moreover', and '所以' (suǒyǐ) means 'so'.
Listen to the sentence about eating spicy food.
Listen to the sentence about today's weather.
Listen to the sentence about a movie.
Read this aloud:
这本书很好看，不过有点贵。
Focus: bú guò
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我想去北京，不过没有时间。
Focus: méi yǒu shí jiān
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她会说中文，不过说得不太好。
Focus: bú tài hǎo
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她很喜欢那件衣服，______ 觉得太贵了。
The sentence indicates a contrast: she likes the clothes, but she thinks they are too expensive. '不过' (búguò) means 'but' or 'however', which fits the context perfectly. '而且' (érqiě) means 'moreover', '所以' (suǒyǐ) means 'therefore', and '因为' (yīnwèi) means 'because'.
他想去旅行，______ 没有时间。
This sentence presents a contradiction: he wants to travel, but he doesn't have time. '不过' (búguò) is the appropriate conjunction for this meaning. '然后' (ránhòu) means 'then', '于是' (yúshì) means 'consequently', and '因此' (yīncǐ) means 'therefore'.
这部电影很好看，______ 结局有点让人失望。
The first part of the sentence states that the movie is good, while the second part expresses a negative feeling about the ending. '不过' (búguò) connects these contrasting ideas. '并且' (bìngqiě) means 'and' or 'moreover', '当然' (dāngrán) means 'of course', and '其实' (qíshí) means 'actually'.
在句子“今天天气很好，不过有点冷”中，“不过”表示转折。
The sentence says the weather is good, but then adds that it's a bit cold, indicating a turn or contrast in meaning. '不过' is used to introduce this contrast.
“他很聪明，不过不太努力”这句话的意思是，他既聪明又努力。
The sentence means he is smart, but he doesn't work very hard. '不过' introduces a contrasting idea, so he is not both smart and hardworking.
你可以在表达相反或出乎意料的情况时使用“不过”。
'不过' (búguò) is indeed used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or is an unexpected turn from the previous statement.
她很聪明，_______ 有时候太固执了。
这里需要一个表示转折的词语，'不过'（but, however）符合语境。
这部电影很感人，_______ 结局有点悲伤。
'然而' (however, yet) 在这里表示转折，与 '不过' 意思相近，更侧重于书面语。'不过' 也是可以的，但选项中 '然而' 更贴切。
我喜欢旅行，_______ 不喜欢做旅游计划。
句子前后是转折关系，'不过' (but, however) 是最合适的连接词。
“他很忙，不过还是抽出时间来看我。”这句话中，“不过”表示并列关系。
“不过” 在这里表示转折关系，意味着尽管他很忙，但他仍然做了另一件事。
在中文口语中，“不过”可以用来表示轻微的转折或补充说明。
“不过”在口语中常用作轻微转折，表示“只是”、“但是”等意思，有时也表示对前文的补充或修正。
“这部小说写得不错，不过有些地方需要修改。”这句话中，“不过”可以替换为“所以”。
“不过”表示转折关系，而“所以”表示因果关系，两者含义不同，不能替换。
You are planning a weekend trip with a friend. You want to go to the mountains, but your friend prefers the beach. Write a short message (around 50-70 characters) to your friend suggesting a compromise. Use '不过' to introduce your friend's preference.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们周末去爬山怎么样？不过，如果你更喜欢海边，我们可以下次再去。
You are describing a new restaurant you visited. The food was excellent, but the service was slow. Write two sentences to express this, using '不过' in the second sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这家餐厅的菜非常好吃。不过，服务有点慢。
You were going to attend a concert, but something unexpected came up, and you can't go. Write a text message (around 40-60 characters) to a friend who was expecting you. Use '不过' to explain why you can't make it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我本来想去看演唱会的，不过突然有事，去不了了。
根据短文，小李的父母对他的期望是什么？
Read this passage:
小李很喜欢画画，他每天都会花几个小时练习。他梦想成为一名著名的画家。不过，他的父母希望他能学习金融，因为他们觉得金融更有前途。小李为此感到很苦恼。
根据短文，小李的父母对他的期望是什么？
短文明确提到“不过，他的父母希望他能学习金融”，表明了父母的期望。
短文明确提到“不过，他的父母希望他能学习金融”，表明了父母的期望。
根据短文，虽然项目很难，但作者的态度是什么？
Read this passage:
这个项目很难，我们已经尝试了好几次，都没有成功。不过，我们不能放弃。我们需要找到新的方法，继续努力。
根据短文，虽然项目很难，但作者的态度是什么？
短文中使用“不过”后，强调了“我们不能放弃。我们需要找到新的方法，继续努力。”
短文中使用“不过”后，强调了“我们不能放弃。我们需要找到新的方法，继续努力。”
作者对读者阅读这本书的建议是什么？
Read this passage:
这本书的内容很深奥，读起来有些困难。不过，如果你能坚持读下去，你会学到很多有用的知识。
作者对读者阅读这本书的建议是什么？
短文中的“不过”引导了建议，“如果你能坚持读下去，你会学到很多有用的知识。”
短文中的“不过”引导了建议，“如果你能坚持读下去，你会学到很多有用的知识。”
她很努力学习，___ 成绩总是上不去。
“不过”在这里表示转折，说明尽管她很努力，结果却不理想。
这部电影评价很高，我看了___ 觉得有些失望。
“不过”用于句中表示转折，与预期不符。
这份工作薪水不错，___ 压力也很大。
“不过”在此表示有正反两方面的情况，薪水好是一个优点，压力大是一个缺点。
“不过”通常用于表示强调或补充。
“不过”主要用于表示转折或限制，而不是强调或补充。
在口语中，“不过”可以用来缓和语气。
在某些语境下，“不过”可以使语气听起来更委婉或不那么绝对。
“不过”和“但是”在所有情况下都可以互换使用。
虽然两者都有转折的意思，但在使用上存在语气的强弱和适用范围的区别，并非所有情况下都能完全互换。
This sentence means 'He can speak fluent Chinese, but only a little English.' The conjunction '不过' connects two contrasting clauses.
This sentence means 'This plan sounds great, but I think it's too risky.' '不过' introduces a reservation or contrasting opinion.
This sentence means 'Although I like coffee, I prefer tea.' '不过' serves to introduce a stronger preference or contrast after an initial statement.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Usage of 不过
Think of 不过 as a softer but or however. It introduces a turn in thought or a slight contrast.
不过 vs. 可是/但是
While similar to 可是 (kěshì) and 但是 (dànshì), 不过 (búguò) often implies a milder contrast or a less strong opposition. It can also introduce a reservation or a limitation.
Placement in a Sentence
不过 usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, after a comma or a pause. For example: 他很聪明，不过有点懒。 (Tā hěn cōngmíng, búguò yǒudiǎn lǎn.) – He is very smart, but a little lazy.
Adding a Caveat
Use 不过 to add a caveat or a small detail that slightly modifies the previous statement. It's like saying '...however, there's this one thing.'.
Exemplo
他很聪明，不过有点懒。
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Mais palavras de general
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
