αλλά
allá/aˈla/
The English phrase "but" can be translated into Greek in several ways. The default form is αλλά (allá). Wiktionary also lists εκτός (ektós) and με εξαίρεση (me exaíresi).
Meaning: except (conj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| αλλά | allá | /aˈla/ |
| εκτός | ektós | /eˈktos/ |
| με εξαίρεση | me exaíresi |
Use αλλά when you want to connect two contrasting ideas or clauses. If you mean "but" in the sense of "except" or "excluding," you should use different forms like εκτός or με εξαίρεση.
Which one should you use?
αλλά is used as a conjunction to connect two contrasting clauses. In contrast, εκτός is used as a preposition meaning "except" or "apart from."
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of αλλά is /aˈla/.
Did you know?
- If you want to express shock or surprise, you can use αλλά as a standalone interjection rather than as a way to connect two ideas.
- The word εξαίρεση is a 'learned borrowing' that combined Ancient Greek roots with the semantic influence of the French word 'exception'.
- In Greek, εκτός can mean 'except' or 'outside', reflecting a spatial logic where excluding something is like placing it outside a circle.
Examples in context
- Ναι, αλλά αυτή μόλις έφυγε.Yes, but she just left.This sentence shows how to use αλλά to add a contrasting point.Tatoeba #2005232 by glavkos, translation #1529444 by erikspen
- Το σπίτι είναι μικρό, αλλά καλό.The house is small, but pretty.This sentence demonstrates using αλλά to connect two adjectives describing a house.Tatoeba #2734676 by Zeus, translation #8165793 by lucasmg123
- Είναι όντως όμορφη αλλά εγωίστρια.She's indeed beautiful, but selfish.This sentence illustrates using αλλά to contrast two qualities of a person.Tatoeba #2429671 by mululatv, translation #9395120 by Nylez
- Συμφωνώ με την πρόταση, αλλά πρέπει να την εξετάσουμε περισσότερο.I agree with the proposal, but we need to examine it further.
- Θέλω να πάω βόλτα, αλλά δεν έχω χρόνο.I want to go for a walk, but I don't have time.
- Θα μου λείψεις, όμως πρέπει να φύγω.I will miss you, but I have to go.
- 211 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are talking about a group outing.
- Μαρία MariaΌλοι θα έρθουν αλλά ο Γιώργος.Óloi tha érthoun allá o Giórgos.Everyone will come but Giorgos.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓιατί δεν θα έρθει ο Γιώργος;Giatí den tha érthei o Giórgos?Why won't Giorgos come?
- Μαρία MariaΈχει πολύ δουλειά σήμερα.Échei polý douleiá símera.He has a lot of work today.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚρίμα που θα τον χάσουμε.Kríma pou tha ton chásoume.It's a pity we will miss him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “but” translations and entries αλλά, εκτός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αλλά, εκτός, εξαίρεση, με, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
