不过 búguò but
but; however; only
How to remember 不过: 不 not + 过 to cross = but.
Characters
How it is used
- Two jobs. As a conjunction 'but, however' it's a softer, more conversational turn than 但是 (dànshì): 东西不错，不过有点贵 (dōngxi búcuò, búguò yǒudiǎn guì) it's nice, but a bit pricey.
- As an adverb 'only, merely' it downplays: 不过是个玩笑 (búguò shì ge wánxiào) it's only a joke.
- After an adjective + 得, 不过 = 'nothing more ... than': 再好不过 (zài hǎo búguò) couldn't be better.
Example sentences
- 他不过是个孩子。 Tā búguò shì gè háizi.He is but a child.
- 他不过才十岁。 Tā búguò cái shí suì.He is only ten years old.
- 我吃完了，不过还是很饿。 Wǒ chīwán le, búguò háishi hěn è.I finished eating, but I'm still hungry.