How to use 不过
⋯⋯ ，不过 ⋯⋯
不过 can introduce a contrasting point or qualification after another statement. It often feels conversational and can make a reservation sound less abrupt than a stronger contrast marker. The second clause may limit praise, add a condition, or provide information that changes how the first statement should be understood.
The difference in strength is a tendency, not a guarantee that every 不过 sounds mild. A serious criticism still depends on its content and delivery. Keep this linking use separate from other constructions in which 不过 contributes meanings such as restriction or limitation. As a connector, it belongs before the new qualifying clause, with the earlier statement providing the context against which the contrast is interpreted.
Examples with pinyin and English
这件衣服我很喜欢， 不过有点贵。
I like this piece of clothing, but it's a little bit expensive.
这家餐厅我没去过， 不过我听说还不错。
I've never been to this restaurant, but I heard it's pretty good.
这个学生很聪明， 不过有点懒。
This student is very smart, but he's a little lazy.
那儿的天气不太好， 不过我们玩得很开心。
The weather there was not very good, but we had a lot of fun.
What to remember
- Place 不过 before the qualifying clause.
- It often supports a conversational reservation.
- Content and tone still determine contrast strength.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.