ma
but
Beginner Conjunction
🔊
Pronunciation
/ma/
💡
Cultural Note
'Ma' is also used as an interjection expressing surprise or disbelief: 'ma dai!' (come on!/really?!). 'Ma' can begin sentences in Italian without being considered grammatically incorrect, unlike some prescriptive views of 'but' in English.
📝 Example Sentences
È piccolo, ma forte.
He is small, but strong.
Ma dai!
Come on! / No way!
Vorrei venire, ma non posso.
I would like to come, but I can't.