不过 (bù guò) is a versatile conjunction and adverb meaning 'but', 'however', or 'just'—it introduces a contrast, softens a statement, or downplays something. Literally, 不 means 'not' and 过 means 'to pass' or 'to exceed'; together, they convey the sense of 'not going beyond' or 'not exceeding a certain limit', which evolved into its modern function of indicating mild contrast or limitation.

This word commonly appears at the beginning of a clause to pivot from a previous idea—often after stating something positive or factual, then qualifying it gently. It’s neutral in register, widely used in both speech and writing, and frequently interchangeable with 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì), though 不过 sounds slightly more conversational and less emphatic. It can also function adverbially meaning 'just' or 'only', especially before verbs or numbers (e.g., 不过十个人 — 'just ten people').