però

Però is a coordinating conjunction in Italian that introduces a statement contrasting with the preceding one. It functions similarly to the English "but," "however," or "yet." In standard writing, però is usually placed between two clauses and is commonly set off by a comma, though it can appear without a preceding comma in tightly connected constructions. The word is pronounced with the stress on the final syllable: pe-ROH, and is written with a grave accent on the o.

Usage and nuance: Però signals a contrast or concession rather than a simple negation. It often softens or reframes what was stated previously and can carry a sense of correction or refinement. Compared with ma, però tends to convey a more nuanced or less abrupt shift in the argument, and it is widely used in both spoken and written Italian across formal and informal registers.

Examples:

- Voleva venire, però non aveva tempo.

- Il diffuso è costoso, però ne vale l’investimento.

Notes: Però remains a standard and versatile tool in Italian grammar for expressing opposing or supplementary information. While synonyms such as tuttavia, comunque, or nonostante ciò exist, però is common in everyday speech and writing, offering a natural way to link contrasting ideas.