How to say “but”: Italian grammar lesson 42

Q: How to use 'ma'?

'Ma' introduces an idea that contrasts with what we just said. We place it right before the second idea in the sentence.

Q: How to use 'però'?

'Però' is a longer and slightly less common word. It can also go at the end of a sentence. And it can be translated as though in English.

Stefano

Italian language tutor, course author. MEng, MBA. Member of the International Association of Hyperpolyglots (HYPIA). After learning 12 languages, I can tell you that we all master languages by listening and mimicking. I couldn’t find an app to recommend to my students, so I made my own one. With my method, you’ll be speaking Italian from Lesson 1.

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What is ma in Italian?

But: examples

How to use però?

Summary

Dive into the Italian language and master the art of contrast with the word “ma“! This guide will show you how to seamlessly introduce opposing ideas in Italian, just like a native. Plus, get the scoop on using “però” for that extra flair in your conversations!

Contrast Like a Pro: Use “ma” to effortlessly connect conflicting ideas in a sentence. It’s the Italian secret sauce for saying “but” and keeping your chat smooth. 😎
Placement Matters: Remember, “ma” is a bit of a stickler for position – it likes to snug right before the second idea, acting as a bridge between thoughts. 🌉
Keep it Simple: “Ma” is your go-to for simplicity. Just two letters and bam! You’ve got yourself a contrast. No fuss, no muss. 👌
Flex with “Però“: Feeling fancy? Use “però” for a touch of versatility. It can chill at the end of a sentence, giving you that casual, conversational vibe. 😏
It’s All About That Style: Whether you choose “ma” or “però“, you’re styling your Italian with a bit of personality. Go on, show off that linguistic flair! 🎨

My thoughts

What is ma in Italian?

We’re going to learn how to say but in Italian. It’s just a two-letter word: ma.

Like in English, we use the equivalent of but to introduce an idea that contrasts with what we just said. This means we place it right before the second idea in the sentence.

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Pay attention to the two ideas in each sentence and how they’re linked by ma.

Lei vuole uscire ma io voglio stare a casa.

She wants to go out, but I want to stay home.

Il professore ha spiegato l’esercizio ma io non ho capito.

The teacher explained the exercise, but I didn’t understand.

But: examples

Let’s have a look at some more examples:

Ho studiato ma non mi ricordo niente.

I studied, but I don’t remember anything.

Mi piace andare in montagna ma preferisco andare al mare.

I like to go to the mountains, but I prefer to go to the beach.

Sono andata al bar ma non ho visto Matteo.

I went to the cafe, but I didn’t see Matteo.

How to use però?

There’s also another option for saying but. It’s a bit longer, slightly less common, and is used differently: però .

This word is more flexible than ma. Because while ma can only go right before the second phrase (in other words, in between the two phrases), però can also go at the end of a sentence.