तर
tara
The Nepali word for 'but' is तर (tara).
तर is used as a conjunction to connect two clauses that present a contrast or an unexpected result, serving the same function as the English word 'but'.
Meaning: except (conj)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Nepali, तर is a coordinating conjunction used to connect two contrasting clauses.
How do you pronounce it?
tara
Did you know?
- In some regional dialects of Nepal, the placement of तर can shift toward the end of the clause, which would be grammatically impossible for 'but' in English.
- The word तर actually traces its roots back to the Sanskrit word 'param', which originally meant 'after' or 'beyond' in terms of space and time.
- While तर is the most common way to say 'but', you might also hear people use पनि (pani) in certain contexts to imply a 'but' that carries the sense of 'also' or 'even'.
Examples in context
- टम ठीक छ, तर मेरी छैन।Tom is fine, but Mary isn't.This example shows how to use तर to contrast the status of two different people.Tatoeba #11924942 by taro, translation #6661710 by CK
- मलाई जान मन थिएन, तर म गएँ।I didn't want to go, but I did.This sentence demonstrates using तर to connect a lack of desire with an action taken.Tatoeba #11864557 by taro, translation #7971328 by CK
- म नाच्छु, तर खासै राम्रो छैन।I dance, but not very well.This example uses तर to contrast an action with the quality of that action.Tatoeba #11844215 by taro, translation #9081241 by CK
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sumit and Pratiksha are discussing a movie.
- सुमित Sumitयो फिल्म राम्रो छ, तर लामो छ।Yo film ramro cha, tara lamo cha.This movie is good, but it is long.
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaहो, मलाई पनि त्यस्तै लाग्यो।Ho, malai pani tyastai lagyo.Yes, I felt the same way.
- सुमित Sumitहामी अर्को फिल्म हेरौँ?Hami arko film herau?Shall we watch another movie?
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaहुन्छ, तर समय छैन।Huncha, tara samaya chaina.Okay, but there is no time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries तर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
