but
/bʊt/
however
📚 Meanings
- 1.
Used to connect two contrasting or opposite ideas, showing that the second statement differs from the first.
- 1.
Used to mean 'only' or 'merely', often in expressions of no other choice.
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💬 Examples
I want to go, but I can't.
I want to go, but I can't.
This is a good book, but it's a little long.
This is a good book, but it's a little long.
We tried our best, but we didn't win the game.
...
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Hear "but" in real YouTube clips
Loop only the sentence that contains this word — a fast way to absorb native rhythm and intonation.
“Sorry, but what's curious?”
'The wand chooses the wizard, Mr Potter' | Full Scene | Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s StoneOpen full shadowing →“I mean, I'll go into the numbers, but yeah.”
ROSÉ Reminisces on Her BLACKPINK Audition, Shows Jimmy How to Play the APT. Drinking Game (Extended)Open full shadowing →“But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue.”
The Devil Wears Prada (3/5) Movie CLIP - Stuff (2006) HDOpen full shadowing →
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but - translations in 14 languages
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Frequently asked about but
How do you pronounce but?
but is pronounced [/bʊt/]. You can hear a native pronunciation on Smoveth.
What does but mean?
but means "however". See the meanings and examples higher up on the page for the full picture.
How difficult is but?
but is a Elementary-level word.
Can you give an example sentence with but?
Example: "I want to go, but I can't." — used to mean "however".
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