不过 (a softer “but”)
IntroducedA qualification can change a purchase decision
- An item is good but costs more than you want.
- the thing东西nice不错，but不过a bit有点expensive贵。 — but不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
An item is good but costs more than you want. What does 东西不错，不过有点贵。 communicate?
不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment. 不过 is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone. It is not always weaker than 但是 in every situation.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is but不过 (a softer “but”). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
the thing东西nice不错，but不过a bit有点expensive贵。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Nice, but a bit pricey: 东西不错，____ 有点贵。
… ，不过 … = a soft “but”: 不错,不过有点贵.
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, the thing东西nice不错，but不过a bit有点expensive贵。: but不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
What role does 不过 play in 东西不错，不过有点贵?
It adds the price qualification. Relative force depends on context and tone, not a fixed weaker-than-但是 rule.
Know the boundary
- but不过 is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone.
- It is not always weaker than but但是 in every situation.
不过 means “but / however”.
Yes — a soft contrast: 东西不错，不过有点贵.
In the opening situation: 不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
不过 is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone. It is not always weaker than 但是 in every situation. 不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
Use the distinction
- but不过 introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
- but不过 is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone. It is not always weaker than but但是 in every situation.
Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — Conjunctions.
An item is good but costs more than you want. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.