Learn Chinese Grammar: 但是(dànshì=but) vs. 可是(kěshì=but) vs. 不过(bùguò= but):

不过 is more informal and mostly used in spoken Chinese. 不过has a softest intensity of tone (compared with 但是 and 可是). 不过 is often associated with the positive result. It includes, is used to say 'no' or 'negative thing' in a softer way (to avoid hurt someone's feelings) so it sounds 'positive.' (Here it also depends on personal preference).
Examples:
The house is new, but it's very dirty.
a.房子(fángzi=house)(hěn=very)(xīn=new),但是(dànshì=but)(hěn=very)(zāng=dirty)
b.房子(fángzi=house)(hěn=very)(xīn=new),可是(kěshì=but)(hěn=very)(zāng=dirty) (More used for negative result)
c. 房子(fángzi=house)(hěn=very)(xīn=new),不过(bùguò)(hěn=very)(zāng=dirty) (Make negative result sounds 'positive')

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