Expressing Transition with “búguò”
不过
How it works
At HSK6 level, 不过 (búguò) can still mean “however” or “but,” but it often carries a softer, more measured shift than 然而 (rán’ér). It can also imply “only that” or “except that.”
Compared with 然而 (rán’ér), 不过 (búguò) is generally lighter and more natural in speech, though it is also common in writing.
Example sentences
这个办法理论上没有问题，不过真正操作起来可能会遇到不少细节上的困难。
There is no problem with this method in theory; however, when actually putting it into practice, quite a few practical difficulties may arise.
他这个人能力很强，不过有时候太急于求成，反而容易忽略关键问题。
He is very capable, but his impatience for quick results can sometimes cause him to overlook key issues.
我并不反对你的观点，不过在具体做法上，我可能会有不同的考虑。
I do not disagree with your view, but I may have a different approach in mind.
Key point
不过 (búguò) is softer and less abrupt than 然而 (rán’ér), and is useful in both conversation and formal discussion.