How to Say "But" in Arabic: Formal And Informal

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main ways to say “but” in Arabic.

In Arabic, saying “but” (conjuction) involves different words depending on whether you’re using formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or a colloquial dialect.

I’ll start with the formal options found in MSA – lākinna (لكنَّ), lākin (لكنْ), and bal (بلْ) – clarifying their grammatical nuances.

Then I’ll cover the most common alternatives used in major Arabic dialects, like bass (بس), walakin (ولكن), and bessah (بصح).

Understanding the differences is important.

‘But’ in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)

MSA offers several options for “but”, each with specific grammatical rules or connotations.

lākinna (لكنَّ): Emphatic “but”

This is a grammatically significant form, often emphasizing the contrast.

Grammar Rule: lākinna is one of the “sisters of inna” (إنَّ وأخواتها). This means:

• It must be followed by a noun or an attached pronoun suffix.
• That noun or pronoun must be in the accusative case (manṣūb).
• It typically connects two related but contrasting clauses or sentences.

Examples:

الجَوُّ بارِدٌ، لٰكِنَّ الشَّمْسَ مُشْرِقَةٌ

al-jawwu bāridun, lākinna sh-shamsa mushriqatun.

The weather is cold, but the sun is shining.

Note: ash-shamsa is accusative because it follows lākinna

A: هل المدير هنا؟

B: لا، هو خرج، لكنه سيرجع قريباً.

hal al-mudīr hunā? / lā, huwa kharaja, lākinnahu sa-yarjiʿu qāriban.

Is the manager here? No, he's out, but he'll be back soon.

• (Note: -hu (him/it) is the attached pronoun suffix in the accusative state)

lākin (لكنْ): Simpler “but”

This form is more common and less grammatically restrictive than lākinna.

Grammar Rule: lākin acts as a straightforward conjunction.

• It is often followed directly by a verb, a prepositional phrase, or another clause.
• It doesn’t require an accusative noun immediately after it like lākinna.
• The final ‘n’ often has a sukūn (ـْ) indicating no vowel, or is unvowelled.
• This is also quite common in spoken dialects.

wa-lākin (ولكنْ): This common variation simply adds wa (and) before lākin, often creating a smoother flow. It functions identically to lākin.

Examples:

أرَدْتُ السّفَرَ، لٰكِنْ مَرِضْتُ

ʾaradtu s-safara, lākin mariḍtu.

I wanted to travel, but I got sick.

Using wa-lākin:

A: الامتحان كان طويلاً.

B: نعم، ولكنْ كان سهلاً.

al-imtiḥānu kāna ṭawīlan. / naʿam, wa-lākin kāna sahlān.

The exam was long. Yes, but it was easy.

bal (بَلْ): “But rather” / “On the contrary”

bal is used for correction or to present a stronger contrast, often negating the first part of the statement.

Usage: It clarifies or corrects a previous statement.

Correction:

لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الطّالِبُ، بَلْ أسْتاذُهُ

lam yaḥḍuri ṭ-ṭālibu, bal ʾustādhuhu.

The student didn't attend, but rather his professor [did]

Contrast/Addition:

هٰذِهِ السَّيّارَةُ لَيْسَتْ فَقَطْ سَريعَةً، بَلْ مُريحَةٌ أيْضاً

hādhihi s-sayyāratu laysat faqaṭ sarīʿatan, bal murīḥatun ʾayḍan.

This car is not only fast, but comfortable as well.

But in spoken dialects

In daily conversation across the Arab world, you’ll hear different words for “but”.

These are essential for sounding natural.

Dialects usually simplify grammar and borrow words. MSA lākin will always be understood, but using the local colloquial term is going to sound more natural.

bass (بس)

This is definitely the most widespread colloquial term for “but”.

• Prevalence: Extremely common in Egyptian, Levantine (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian), and Gulf (Khaliji) Arabic.
• Other Meanings: Be aware that bass can also mean “only” or “enough” depending on context.
• Usage: Connects clauses informally, just like “but”.

Egyptian Arabic:

A: عايز شاي؟

B: آه، بس معنديش سكر.

ʿāyiz shāy? / ah, bass maʿandīsh sukkar.

Do you want tea? Yes, but I don't have sugar.

Levantine Arabic:

A: خلينا نروح ع السوق.

B: يلا، بس مش هلأ، بعدين.

khallīnā nrūḥ ʿa s-sūʾ. / yalla, bass mush hallaʾ, baʿdēn.

Let's go to the market. Let's go, but not now, later.

Maghrebi forms

In North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya), different words are more common.

walakin (واخا / ولكن / ولاكين): Related to MSA wa-lākin, this is frequently used in the Maghreb. Pronunciation varies slightly by region.

Moroccan Arabic example:

A: لقيت الكتاب؟

B: آه لقيته، ولكن غالي بزاف.

lqīt l-ktāb? / āh lqītu, walakin ghālī bzzāf.

Did you find the book? Yes, I found it, but it's very expensive.

• bessah / beṣṣaḥ (بصح): Very common in Algerian and Moroccan Arabic. Can also mean “indeed” or “really?”, but frequently means “but”.

Algerian Arabic example:

A: راه جاي معانا؟

B: نورمالمو، بصح مازال ما وصل.

rah jāy mʿānā? / nōrmālmūn, beṣṣaḥ mzal ma wṣel.

Is he coming with us? Supposedly, but he still hasn't arrived.

Choosing the correct “but”

Here’s a quick recap to help you choose the appropriate word:

• For formal writing and speech (news, academic papers, formal addresses): Stick to MSA lākinna, lākin, or bal based on grammatical context and nuance.
• For everyday conversations in Egypt, the Levant, or the Gulf: bass is your go-to word but lākin is used a lot too.
• For everyday conversations in the Maghreb: walakin or bessah are common choices.

Knowing how to say “but” is fundamental to expressing contrast and connecting ideas in Arabic.

You’ve learned the formal MSA options – the grammatically precise lākinna, the flexible lākin, and the corrective bal – as well as the essential colloquial forms like the widespread bass and the Maghrebi walakin and bessah.

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