amma
But Connector
Amma is the most common way to say "but" in Azerbaijani. It links two ideas where the second one is unexpected or contradicts the first.
How It Works
The conjunction amma serves as an adversative connector (qarşılaşdırma bağlayıcısı). It is used to show a contrast between two parts of a sentence.
Key Rules:
- Punctuation: A comma is required before amma when it joins two clauses or two contrasting words (homogeneous parts) inside one sentence. For example: Hava soyuqdur, amma günəşlidir (The weather is cold, but sunny) or yorğun, amma xoşbəxt (tired, but happy).
- Morphology: It does not change based on vowel harmony. It is always written as amma.
- Sentence Position: While it usually sits between two clauses, it is perfectly natural to start a new sentence with Amma to contrast it with the previous sentence.
- Comparison with Synonyms: While ancaq and lakin also mean "but," amma is the most versatile. Lakin is very formal/literary, and ancaq can also mean "only," which amma cannot do.
Examples (4)
- Mən getmək istəyirdim, amma vaxtım yox idi.
I wanted to go, but I had no time.
Word by Word: I to-go wanting-was, but time-my non-existent was.
Here, 'amma' connects two full clauses. Note the comma before the conjunction.
- Bu çanta bahadır, amma keyfiyyətlidir.
This bag is expensive, but it is high quality.
Word by Word: This bag expensive-is, but quality-possessing-is.
In this case, 'amma' contrasts two adjectives describing the same object.
- O, çox çalışır, amma nəticə yoxdur.
He works a lot, but there is no result.
Word by Word: He, much works, but result non-existent-is.
This shows a contrast between an action (working hard) and the outcome (no result).
- Amma mən bunu bilmirdim!
But I didn't know this!
Word by Word: But I this-acc know-not-was!
This demonstrates that 'amma' can start a sentence to express surprise or contradiction to a previous statement.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the comma before 'amma'.
Yorğunam amma işləyirəm.Yorğunam, amma işləyirəm.In Azerbaijani grammar, a comma is mandatory before adversative conjunctions like 'amma' when they link clauses.
Choosing 'amma' where 'only' is meant.
Different MeaningAmma o gəldi.Yalnız o gəldi.'Amma o gəldi' is a good sentence, but it means 'But he came.' If you mean 'Only he came,' use 'yalnız' (or 'ancaq').
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use the contrast connector 'amma', learners need to be able to form basic clauses first. This includes understanding how to link subjects with predicates (nominal or verbal) and the basic word order of Azerbaijani sentences, as 'amma' functions as a bridge between two complete thoughts or descriptors.
- Zero third person nominal predicate
The connector 'amma' is frequently used to contrast adjectives or nouns using the zero-marked third-person nominal predicate.
Level 1 - -dı/-di/-du/-düSimple Witnessed Past
The connector is often used to link past actions, requiring knowledge of basic verb conjugation like the simple past.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- halbukiAlthough in Fact
Halbuki also expresses contrast but specifically emphasizes a contradiction with a known fact (whereas/although).
Level 3 - da/də (əlavə)Additive Da/də
While 'amma' contrasts, 'da/də' adds information (also/too), and they are often used in the same discourse to balance ideas.
Level 3 - yoxsaOr in Alternative Questions
Yoxsa is used for 'or' in questions, providing a different kind of logical alternative compared to the contrast of 'amma'.
Level 3 - çünkiBecause Clause
Çünki (because) is the logical opposite of 'amma', providing a reason rather than a contrast.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice amma in Bubblegum
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