🧐 不过 búguò vs 但是 dànshì – What’s the Difference?

🧐 不过 búguò vs 但是 dànshì – What’s the Difference?

Both mean “but”… so can you use them the same way? 🤨

Not quite! 不过 and 但是 are similar in meaning, but they feel different in tone and formality.


Let’s break it down with examples and tips! ✨

🔍  Breakdown

🟢 但是 (dànshì) – “but / however”

  • More formal and neutral
  • Common in writing, speeches, and serious statements
  • Can appear at the start of a sentence


🟡 不过 (búguò) – “but / only / just”

  • More casual and conversational
  • Often softens a statement, like saying “but still” or “it’s just…”
  • Common in daily speech or friendly writing


📌 Tip:

You can often switch them without breaking grammar — but it changes the tone.

💬  Easy Examples

🟢 但是 (dànshì) – “but / however”

🟢 但是 Example 1:

  •  我很喜欢这本书，但是太贵了。
    • Wǒ hěn xǐhuan zhè běn shū, dànshì tài guì le.
    • 👉 I really like this book, but it’s too expensive.
    • 📝 A balanced, neutral tone.


🟢 但是 Example 2:

  • 他想去旅行，但是没有时间。
    • Tā xiǎng qù lǚxíng, dànshì méiyǒu shíjiān.
    • 👉 He wants to travel, but doesn’t have time.
    • 📝 A formal and factual contrast.


🟡 不过 (búguò) – “but / it’s just that…”


🟡 不过 Example 1:

  • 我很喜欢这本书，不过太贵了。
    • Wǒ hěn xǐhuan zhè běn shū, búguò tài guì le.
    • 👉 I really like this book, but it’s kind of expensive.
    • 📝 Same sentence as above — more casual tone.


🟡 不过 Example 2:

  • 他想去旅行，不过没有时间。
    • Tā xiǎng qù lǚxíng, búguò méiyǒu shíjiān.
    • 👉 He wants to travel, but just doesn’t have time.
    • 📝 Same sentence as above — more spoken tone.

⚠️ Common Mistakes (Watch Out!)

Both 不过 and 但是 are grammatically correct — the key difference is tone.


❌ Writing a business email with 不过

✅ Use 但是 in formal writing


❌ Giving a lecture with 不过

✅ Use 但是 to sound more professional


✅ Chatting with friends? 不过 is totally fine!

🎯  Interactive Practice

Choose the better word: 但是 (dànshì) or 不过 (búguò)

1. 我很想吃披萨，______我在减肥。

( Wǒ hěn xiǎng chī pīsà, ______ wǒ zài jiǎnféi.)

  • 👉 I really want to eat pizza, but I’m on a diet.
  • ✅ Correct answer: 不过
  • 📝 This is everyday speech — 不过 sounds more natural here.


2. 这是个好主意，______我们需要考虑成本。

(Zhè shì ge hǎo zhǔyì, ______ wǒmen xūyào kǎolǜ chéngběn.)

  • 👉 It’s a good idea, but we need to consider the cost.
  • ✅ Correct answer: 但是
  • 📝 A formal or neutral tone fits better.

🚀 Final Tip

📌 Use 但是 (dànshì) when:

  • You’re writing formally or speaking seriously
  • You want to sound neutral and objective


📌 Use 不过 (búguò) when:

  • You’re chatting or being friendly
  • You want to soften the “but” and sound more natural


✍️ Try making two sentences:

– one with 但是 in a formal tone

– one with 不过 for a casual chat


Practice makes progress! 加油！💪

👉 Think this was tricky? More word pairs are waiting to mess with your brain — check them out here! 😄📘