а [1]
{conjunction} {Russian loan} 1. and, but (used to connect two phrases when there is a contrast between them)
♢ ти•де тыла•т, а ти•де мыла•м {sentence} this is for you, but that is for me
♢ ме каена•, а тый ты•ште кода•т {sentence} we will go, but you will stay here
2. but, but instead (used in clauses preceded by negated clauses)
♢ ти•де ло•мбо о•гыл, а куэ• {sentence} this is not a bird cherry tree, but a birch tree
♢ мый тыла•т ту•вырым ве•ле о•гыл, а йолашыма•т налына•м {sentence} I not only bought you a shirt, but pants as well
♢ ты•шке о•гыл, а ту•шко {sentence} not here, but there
3. and, but (introduces supplementary questions)
♢ а ти•де кӧ? {sentence} but who is that?, and who is that?
♢ а вара•же? {sentence} and then?