If you have started reading more advanced Italian material, such as newspapers or periodicals, you have definitely come across this word but.
made up of words Bene (OK) and Yes (Yes), but Primarily used as a conjunction, its purpose is to introduce a statement that opposes or contradicts a previous statement. It is usually translated as “instead” or”on the contrary“.
In fact, he was not a professional at all, but an amateur.
In fact he was not a professional at all, but an amateur.
some alternative conjunctions but Everyday spoken Italian includes Well (but), instead (quite / instead) on the contrary (quite / in fact) and quite (quite):
- He’s actually not a professional at all, but an amateur.
- He’s actually not a professional at all, but an amateur.
- In fact he was not a professional at all, but an amateur.
- In fact he is not a professional at all, in fact he is just an amateur.
In rare cases it can simply be translated as but or However.
Many thought he was crazy, but others listened to him.
Many people thought he was crazy, but there were also people who paid attention to him.
In Old Italian, the word but There is an additional usage as an emphatic way of expressing agreement or affirmation, similar to saying Yes (Yes) and further emphasized. When used in this way, but Used as an adverb rather than a conjunction.In English, it can be translated as certainly, absolutelyor really.It is worth noting that in modern Italian this particular usage but Considered obsolete, and rarely used in contemporary conversation.
It’s really tiring, but I still want to come.
I’m really tired, but I still want to come.
