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ma

but

conjunction MAH Common
Grammar & Structure Conjunctions

Origin: from Latin magis

Usage Note

Ma is the everyday 'but', stronger and more common than però. Doubled for emphasis (ma no!, ma dai!) it expresses surprise or mild protest. It typically opens a clause and is not used to begin polite written sentences in formal style.

Examples

"Vorrei venire, ma non posso."

Natural Translation

I'd like to come, but I can't.

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