pero
The English phrase "but" is translated to Tagalog as pero.
Meaning: except (conj)
Which one should you use?
While pero is the most common way to say "but", ngunit is a more formal alternative used in literature or formal speeches. Subalit is another formal way to say "but", often used to provide a more literary or sophisticated tone than pero.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pero is a loanword from Spanish and is the standard, everyday way to express "but" in conversational Tagalog. For more formal contexts, such as formal speeches or literature, you can use ngunit, subalit or datapwat.
Did you know?
- The more formal word datapwat is so sophisticated that using it in a casual conversation with friends might actually sound like you are joking or being intentionally dramatic.
- Tagalog speakers may omit pero entirely in a sentence and instead use a slight pause or a change in intonation to signal a contrast.
- The Latin root of pero was per hoc, which meant 'for this reason' rather than a simple contrast.
Examples in context
- Oo nga, pero hindi.Well yes, but actually no.This example shows how to use pero to express a contradiction.Tatoeba #11575332 by qwertzu, translation #10134426 by DJ_Saidez
- Pero wala akong pera.But I don't have money.This example demonstrates starting a sentence with pero.Tatoeba #1653998 by nonong, translation #674466 by Zifre
- Kumukulog, pero walang ulan.It's thundering, but there's no rain.This example illustrates using pero to contrast two different weather conditions.Tatoeba #11788454 by qwertzu, translation #10639661 by sundown
- Ang pagkain ay masarap, ngunit mahal.The food is delicious, but expensive.
- 186 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Mark are talking about dinner plans.
- MariaGusto ko ng pizza, pero mahal.I want pizza, but it's expensive.
- MarkMay promo sila ngayon, Maria.They have a promo today, Maria.
- MariaTalaga? Pero saan ang branch?Really? But where is the branch?
- MarkMalapit lang ito sa atin.It's just near us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
