mais
/mɛ/conjunction★Beginner
formalinformal
Used to introduce a contrasting idea or exception in a sentence.
Elle est gentille, mais parfois un peu autoritaire.
She is kind, but sometimes a bit authoritarian.
💡
Often used to contrast two ideas or to introduce an exception.
Collocations
mais aussibut alsomais alorsbut thenmais nonbut no
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
mais ouiphrase
but yes
mais encorephrase
but still
💡Pro Tip
Emphasis
In informal speech, 'mais' can be used at the start of a sentence for emphasis.
⚡Gold Rule
Contrast
'Mais' is used to contrast two ideas or to introduce an exception.
📖Word Origin
From Old French 'mais', from Latin 'magis' meaning 'more'.
📝Usage Notes
Can be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or to introduce a new topic.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais