Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • But, however, yet: "nhưng mà" is a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has just been said. It is a slightly more emphatic or conversational form of "nhưng."

Usage

• Position in a sentence: "nhưng mà" is used to connect two clauses. It typically appears at the beginning of the second clause to show contrast.
• Function: It expresses an exception, a limitation, or an unexpected result related to the first clause.
• Tone: The addition of "mà" makes the contrast feel softer, more explanatory, or more conversational than using "nhưng" alone. It is very common in spoken Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Connecting contrasting ideas:
  • Tôi muốn đi chơi, nhưng mà trời đang mưa. (I want to go out, but it's raining.)
  • Cô ấy nhỏ con, nhưng mà rất khỏe. (She is small, but she is very strong.)
• Introducing an objection or correction:
  • Anh nói đúng, nhưng mà vẫn còn một vấn đề. (What you said is correct, but there is still one problem.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nhưng mà thôi": Used to dismiss a previous thought or to end a topic, often with a sigh or sense of resignation. It translates to "but anyway," "but never mind," or "oh well."
  • Tôi định mua nó, nhưng mà thôi, đắt quá. (I intended to buy it, but never mind, it's too expensive.)
• For emphasis in spoken language: "Nhưng mà" can be used at the start of a sentence to strongly object to or question a previous statement, similar to "But wait!" or "Hold on!"
  • Nhưng mà! Ai cho phép anh làm thế? (But wait! Who allowed you to do that?)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhưng: The core conjunction meaning "but." It is more formal and concise than "nhưng mà."
• Tuy nhiên: A more formal synonym meaning "however" or "nevertheless." It is often used in writing.
• Mà: A versatile particle that can sometimes imply a mild contrast on its own, especially in southern Vietnamese speech. "Nhưng mà" combines "nhưng" with this particle.

Synonyms

• Song: A literary or formal synonym for "but" or "however."
• Thế nhưng: Another synonym for "however," often used in writing.

Related Phrases

• Có điều: A phrase meaning "the thing is" or "however," used to introduce a contrasting point gently.
  • Bộ phim hay đấy, có điều dài quá. (The movie is good, the thing is it's too long.)

Related Idioms

• Nhưng mà đời không như là mơ: A common saying meaning "But life is not like a dream," used to express that reality is often disappointing or different from expectations.
  • Anh ấy muốn trở thành ca sĩ, nhưng mà đời không như là mơ. (He wanted to become a singer, but life is not like a dream.)

1. But
   • Người xấu nhưng mà tốt nết
     To be plain-looking but good in character