a
{conjunction} {Russian loan} 1. and, but (used to connect two phrases when there is a contrast between them)
♢ tide tə̑lat, a tide mə̑lam {sentence} this is for you, but that is for me
♢ me kajena, a tə̑j tə̑šte kodat {sentence} we will go, but you will stay here
2. but, but instead (used in clauses preceded by negated clauses)
♢ tide lombo ogə̑l, a kue {sentence} this is not a bird cherry tree, but a birch tree
♢ mə̑j tə̑lat tuβə̑rə̑m βele ogə̑l, a jolašə̑mat nalə̑nam {sentence} I not only bought you a shirt, but pants as well
♢ tə̑ške ogə̑l, a tuško {sentence} not here, but there
3. and, but (introduces supplementary questions)
♢ a tide kö? {sentence} but who is that?, and who is that?
♢ a βaraže? {sentence} and then?