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

اما

ammâ/ˈʔam.maː/

The English word 'but' is translated into Persian as اما (ammâ).

اما is a conjunction used to mean 'except'.

Meaning: except (conj)

Which one should you use?

Another way to express contrast is through the expression نه…بلکه, which is used specifically to introduce a contrasting idea.

The word is pronounced /ˈʔam.maː/ (ammâ). It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.

In many Persian dialects, the distinction between the formal اما and the more colloquial 'but' sounds can signal the speaker's social status or level of education.
The word اما is an Arabic loanword that functions as a conjunction in Persian, yet it retains its original spelling and structure from the source language.
While اما is used for logical contrast, Persian speakers often use the word ولی (vali) in casual speech to mean 'but'.

مؤدب باش، اما محکم.
Be polite, but firm.
This sentence shows how to use اما to connect two contrasting qualities.
Tatoeba #12879034 by manelie, translation #1638312 by Spamster
اما آن یک جریان بی مزه است!
Oh, but that is a mundane matter!
This sentence uses اما to introduce a contrasting exclamation.
Tatoeba #11091899 by cojiluc, translation #2068833 by Balamax
زندگی سخت است، اما من سخت‌ترم.
Life is hard, but I am harder.
This sentence demonstrates using اما to connect two contrasting clauses about life and strength.
Tatoeba #7575376 by cojiluc, translation #1477 by AlanF_US
من اینجا بودم، ولی تو نیومده بودی.
I was here, but you hadn't come.
او خوب کار می‌کند، با این وجود همیشه شکایت می‌کند.
He works well, however, he always complains.
تو مرا دوست نداری، اما من همه چیز را برای تو می‌کنم.
You don't like me, but I would do anything for you.
او خیلی تلاش می‌کند، ولیکن هنوز نتیجه‌ای نگرفته است.
He is trying hard, but still hasn't achieved any results.
48 more sentences on Tatoeba

Ali and Zahra are discussing a movie they just watched.

علی Ali

فیلم خوبی بود، اما خیلی طولانی بود.
Film-e khoobi bood, ama kheyli toolani bood.
It was a good movie, but it was too long.
زهرا Zahra

من موافقم، ولی بازیگرها عالی بودند.
Man movafegham, vali baazigarha aali boodand.
I agree, but the actors were great.
علی Ali

بله، اما داستانش کمی پیچیده بود.
Bale, ama dastaanesh kami pichide bood.
Yes, but its story was a bit complicated.
زهرا Zahra

جالب بود چون پایانش غیرمنتظره بود.
Jaleb bood chon payanash gheyr-e montazere bood.
It was interesting because the ending was unexpected.

Sources

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