а
Translation of а
but
Russian word in Latin letters: a
Meaning of а
Вводит правильный вариант после отрицания.
introduces the correct alternative after a negative statement
Pronunciation
Traps and common mistakes
А or но?
но
но = but, contrast or 'but still'
Don't say «не красный, но синий». The right option after не — а; contrast or 'but still' — но.
Я хотел прийти, но не смог.
I wanted to come, but I couldn't.
Я не опоздал, а пришёл раньше.
I wasn't late but came early.
Try translating it yourself
Translate these short sentences from English into Russian using the word you are learning. Then open one possible answer and compare it with yours. This is practice, not a test.
It's not red but blue.
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Он не красный, а синий.
I'm not a teacher but a doctor.
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Я не учитель, а врач.
Related words and lists for а
Questions about this word
а meaning: what does it mean?
introduces the correct alternative after a negative statement
а pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?
а is pronounced as [a]. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.
а definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?
It's not red but blue. Translation: Он не красный, а синий.
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