How to Say "But" in Latin - How To Say Guide

sed

[ˈsɛd]

The Latin word for but is sed. It introduces a statement that corrects or contrasts with what came before, as in the saying Dura lex sed lex.

sed is the normal contrastive conjunction. It can also work like an adverb meaning however or nevertheless, depending on the context.

Meaning: except (conj)

Which one should you use?

verum is another, more formal word that can express contrast.

Dura lex sed lex is still quoted in many countries to say that a rule must be followed even when it feels hard.

The word sed evolved from an ancient form meaning 'by itself' or 'apart', reflecting the idea that a contrast stands alone from the previous point.
The word sed can be used to create a 'correction' where the first part of the sentence is completely denied, which differs from the English 'but' that often just adds a nuance.
Latin possesses several ways to express 'but' depending on whether the speaker is correcting a mistake or adding a contrasting thought, with sed being the primary tool for the latter.

c. ad 65, Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, CVI.
We learn our lessons, not for life, but for the lecture-room.
This is the source of a line by Seneca that contrasts learning for life with learning for the lecture room.
Wiktionary
1804 Jun 12, Oberdeutsche Allgemeine Litteraturzeitung, No. 70, p. 1119
We must learn not for school but for life!
This later source turns the same idea around to say we must learn for life rather than for school.
Wiktionary
Dura lex sed lex.
The Law is harsh, but it is the Law.
Dura lex sed lex is a famous saying meaning the law is harsh, but it is the law.
Tatoeba #425577 by sysko, translation #425579 by sysko
Caesar erat fortis et valens, sed graviter vulneratus est.
Caesar was brave and strong, but he was severely wounded.
Magistra docuit bene, sed discipuli intellexerunt parum.
The teacher taught well, but the students understood little.
Senex est sapientissimus, verum iracundus.
The old man is very wise, but he is also hot-tempered.
Homo est stultus, at iocari amat.
The man is foolish, but he loves to joke around.
Puella est vaga, at multas res scit.
The girl is lazy, but she knows many things.
Sol est calidus, tamen frigus imminet.
The sun is hot, but cold is approaching.
Musica me delectat, tamen non possum cantare.
Music delights me, but I can't sing.
377 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lucia and Lucius are discussing their plans for the day.

Lucia

Volo ire ad forum, sed pluit.
I want to go to the forum, but it is raining.
Lucius

Ita est, sed possumus domi manere.
That is true, but we can stay at home.
Lucia

Sed ego opus habeo libro novo.
But I need a new book.
Lucius

Tunc mox ibimus, sed nunc exspectemus.
Then we will go soon, but let us wait now.

Sources

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