不过 (a softer “but”)

A gentler "but"

• but不过bú guò = "but / however", softer and more casual than but但是dàn shì.
• thing东西dōng xīcorrect不错bù cuò，but不过bú guòa little有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì = "it's nice, but a bit pricey."
• It eases into the contrast.

… ，but不过bú guò …

• but不过bú guò introduces a mild qualification or objection.

the thing东西dōng xinice不错bú cuò，but不过bú guòa bit有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。

• correct不错bù cuò，but不过bú guòa little有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì = "nice, but a bit expensive."

Softer than but但是dàn shì

• but不过bú guò feels lighter; but但是dàn shì / but可是kě shì are a touch stronger.

Recap

Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — Conjunctions.