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ma

"ma" means "but, however" in Italian. It is number 19 on the frequency list, in A1 (conj).

Meaning

but, however; but, on the contrary; but

IPA

/ma/

Level

A1

Practice this word

Updated October 21, 2026

Example sentences

• Ma non è qui.
  But he isn't here.
  Tatoeba: Guybrush88 / ariarin
• Ma non ci sei.
  But you're not there.
  Tatoeba: Guybrush88 / CK
• Ma tu non ci sei.
  But you're not there.
  Tatoeba: Guybrush88 / CK

Learned together

In the course, "ma" is in the same group as these words. You master them as a set.

• mi me, to me
• si oneself, himself, herself,…
• lo the (before s + consonant, z)
• cosa thing
• con with, together
• no no
• le the (feminine plural)
• se if
• da from

← silo →