Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"But" in Italian: ma
ma
But in Italian is ma (mah). Però is a stronger but / however. Keep ma as its own word between clauses.
Weather plans
Vorrei uscire ma piove.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce ma
Say it
mah
/ma/
Ma is a short mah. Però stresses ROH: peh-ROH.
"But" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ma | but Default contrast. | Default contrast. |
| però | but / however Stronger pushback. | Stronger pushback. |
| ma anche | but also Adding contrast. | Adding contrast. |
| sì, ma… | yes, but… Polite objection. | Polite objection. |
How to use ma in real life
- 1Weather plans
Vorrei uscire ma piove.
I'd like to go out but it's raining.
Ma.
- 2Food opinion
È buono ma un po' salato.
It's good but a bit salty.
Ma.
- 3Scheduling
Posso venire ma arrivo tardi.
I can come but I'll arrive late.
Ma.
Mistakes English speakers make with ma
Incorrect: Voglio venire but non posso.
Correct: Voglio venire ma non posso.
Use ma, not English but.
Incorrect: È bello,maiscaro.
Correct: È bello, ma è scarso.
Keep ma as a separate word.
Good to know
Italians start soft refusals with sì, ma…—agreement first, brake second. Però raises the volume of the objection.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Negotiating evening plans
ChatPal
Usciamo alle otto?
Shall we go out at eight?
You
Sì, ma finisco di lavorare alle otto e mezza.
Yes, but I finish work at half past eight.
ChatPal
Ok, allora alle nove, ma non più tardi.
Ok, then at nine, but no later.
You
Perfetto.
Perfect.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"But" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "But" in Italian
Ma or però?
Both mean but; però feels stronger.
Yes, but…?
Sì, ma…
Pronunciation?
Short mah.
Can ma start a sentence?
Yes, especially in speech: Ma perché?
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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