ale

The word ale is the primary Czech conjunction for "but". It is completely neutral and used in all situations, from casual chats to formal writing.

1. Connecting contrasting ideas
Unlike the conjunction a (and), which usually adds information, ale primarily introduces a contrast. You can use it to connect full sentences, phrases, or even single words. The most important rule for English speakers to remember is the comma rule: the clause or phrase containing ale must be separated by a comma. This applies even when connecting just two adjectives!

• Je to drahé, ale hezké. (It is expensive, but pretty.)

2. Direct replacement (Not A, but B)
A fundamental use of ale is to correct a statement by saying "not this, but that" (ne..., ale...).

• To není pes, ale kočka. (That is not a dog, but a cat.)

3. Conceding a point (sice..., ale...)
A very common paired structure in Czech is sice..., ale... (admittedly / it is true that... but...). This is the standard way to concede a point before contrasting it.

• Je to sice drahé, ale hezké. (It is expensive, admittedly, but pretty.)

4. Adding information (Not only... but also)
While ale usually contrasts, it can also add and amplify information in paired structures like nejen..., ale i... or nejen..., ale také... (not only... but also...).

• Je nejen chytrý, ale i vtipný. (He is not only smart, but also funny.)

5. Expressing surprise (Particle)
Ale is also frequently used as an emphatic particle to express surprise, emotion, or intensity, translating to "really" or "what a". When used this way, no comma is used.

• To je ale zima! (It is really cold! / What a cold day!)

6. Flexible position and starting sentences
While ale usually sits at the beginning of the second clause, Czech allows it to be shifted later into the clause for a smoother flow. In this case, the comma stays at the beginning of the clause, not directly before ale. Additionally, it is perfectly natural and grammatically correct in Czech to start a sentence with Ale to contradict a previous statement or express sudden realization.

• Byl to dobrý nápad, on to ale nepochopil. (It was a good idea, but he didn't understand it.)
• Ale to není pravda! (But that's not true!)

7. Conversational phrases
In conversation, ale is often combined with yes and no to contradict an assumption or statement. Ale ano means "Oh yes (it is)" and Ale ne means "Oh no (it isn't)". You might also hear the interjection Ale, ale... which translates to "Well, well...".

• Ale ne, to nevadí. (Oh no, it doesn't matter.)