mas
“mas” means “but” in Spanish (Used in a literary or formal way to show a contrast.).
but
Also: yet, however
📝 In Action
Quiso ayudar, mas no tenía los medios.
C1He wanted to help, but he didn't have the means.
Es un camino largo y difícil, mas la recompensa es grande.
C1It is a long and difficult path, yet the reward is great.
Le advertí del peligro, mas no me escuchó.
B2I warned him of the danger, but he didn't listen to me.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is correct and means 'I want more time, but I don't have it'?
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📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'magis', which meant 'more' or 'rather'. Over time, its meaning shifted from 'moreover' to the contrasting sense of 'but', similar to how its French cousin 'mais' developed.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between 'mas' and 'más'?
The accent mark changes everything! 'Más' (with an accent) means 'more' and is extremely common. 'Mas' (without an accent) is a formal, literary word for 'but'. In 99% of daily conversations, you will only need to use 'más' (more) and 'pero' (but).
Can I use 'mas' and 'pero' interchangeably?
While they mean the same thing ('but'), they are not interchangeable in terms of style. 'Pero' is for everyday use. 'Mas' is for formal or literary writing. Using 'mas' in a casual conversation would sound a bit strange, like wearing a tuxedo to go grocery shopping.