A softer "but" with "buguo"

Instead of just using 可是 or 但是, you can also use the softer and more informal 不过 (búguò). The meaning is closer to "however" or "nevertheless" in English.

Structure

Just like it's counterparts, "不过" is a conjunction that comes between two distinct clauses.

Clause 1, 不过 + Clause 2

Examples

  • 喝 白酒 可以,不过 酒 的 度 数 不 能 太 高。Drinking white wine is okay, but the alcoholic content can not be too high.
  • 我 想 帮助 你,不过 我 没有 空。I want to help you, but I don't have time.
  • 他 的 汉语 水平 很 高,不过 他 的 声调 不 太 好。His Chinese level is very high, but his tones aren't very good.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books