Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'but'

English Word: but

Key Russian Translations:

• но [no] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• однако [odˈnako] - [Formal, Written]
• зато [zaˈto] - [Informal, Conversational, Contrast]

Frequency: High (especially for "но")

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "но"; B1 (Intermediate) for "однако" and "зато"

Pronunciation (Russian):

но: [no]

Note on но: Simple and straightforward pronunciation, stress is always on the single syllable.

однако: [odˈnako]

Note on однако: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "о" sounds are pronounced clearly.

зато: [zaˈto]

Note on зато: Stress on the second syllable; often used with a slight emphatic tone in speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Contrast or Exception (Conjunction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• но - Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something previously mentioned (most common and neutral).
• однако - Often used in formal or written contexts to indicate contrast or a surprising turn.

Usage Examples:

• Я хотел пойти на прогулку, но пошёл дождь.

  I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.

• Он был очень добр, однако его слова меня обидели.

  He was very kind, but his words offended me.

• Она не очень красива, но очень умна.

  She is not very beautiful, but she is very intelligent.

2. Compensation or Positive Contrast

Translation(s) & Context:

• зато - Used to highlight a positive aspect that compensates for a negative one, often conversational.

Usage Examples:

• Машина старая, зато надёжная.

  The car is old, but reliable.

• Он не богат, зато честен.

  He is not rich, but honest.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

но, однако, зато: These are conjunctions and do not inflect or change form in Russian. They remain constant regardless of context, number, or gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• впрочем (however, though) - Often used similarly to "однако" in written or reflective contexts.
• тем не менее (nevertheless) - A more formal alternative to "но".

Antonyms:

• и (and) - Used to connect ideas without contrast.

Related Phrases:

• но всё же (but still) - Used to concede a point while maintaining a contrasting opinion.
• однако же (however, nonetheless) - A slightly old-fashioned or emphatic variant of "однако".
• зато как (but how) - Used to emphasize a positive contrast dramatically.

Usage Notes:

• "но" is the most versatile and commonly used translation of "but" in Russian, suitable for almost all contexts (spoken and written).
• "однако" is more formal and often appears in literature, academic texts, or speeches to introduce a surprising or contradictory statement.
• "зато" is conversational and specifically used to introduce a positive contrast or compensation, often with a sense of justification.
• Unlike English, where "but" can start a sentence informally, in Russian, conjunctions like "но" at the beginning of a sentence are more acceptable even in formal writing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "зато" in place of "но" when no positive compensation is implied. Example: *Я устал, зато не хочу спать* (incorrect for "I’m tired, but I don’t want to sleep").

  Correct Usage: Use "но" instead: *Я устал, но не хочу спать.*

  Explanation: "зато" implies a positive trade-off, so it should only be used when highlighting a redeeming quality.

• Error: Overusing "однако" in casual speech, which sounds unnatural or overly formal. Example: *Я опоздал, однако всё в порядке* (sounds stiff in conversation).

  Correct Usage: Use "но" for casual speech: *Я опоздал, но всё в порядке.*

  Explanation: "однако" is better suited for formal or written contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the use of conjunctions like "но" and "зато" often reflects a cultural tendency to balance criticism with positive remarks, especially in personal conversations. For example, using "зато" to highlight a redeeming quality after a negative comment is a common way to soften criticism and maintain politeness.

Related Concepts:

• впрочем (however)
• тем не менее (nevertheless)
• хотя (although)