不过
but, however (softer than 但是)
Structure
A ，不过 B
What it means
不过 means “but”, like 但是, only softer and more conversational: a small “however”, not a sharp turn.
How it is built
A，不过 + B: 这家店有点儿贵，不过东西很好 (This shop is a bit dear, but the things are good).
When to use it
It suits polite disagreement or adding a small catch: 你说得对，不过我还想再看看. 但是 is a sharper turn. Before an amount it can also mean “only”, but learn “but” first.
Watch out
不过 starts the second half, never the first. ✗ 不过这家店有点儿贵，东西很好。 ✓ 这家店有点儿贵，不过东西很好。
Examples
这家店有点儿贵，不过东西很好。
This shop is a bit dear, but the things are good.
我很想去，不过明天要上班。
I’d love to go, but I have to work tomorrow.
你说得对，不过我还想再看看。
You’re right, but I’d still like to look around a bit more.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 19: 网上买手机 (Shopping online)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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