but – mais

(Pronounced may)

To remember that but is pronounced may (mais) in French, use the following mnemonic.

Everyone but the miserable old man danced around the maypole (mais).

Examples of mais (but) in a sentence

Je veux sortir, mais il pleut. 

(I want to go out, but it's raining.)

J'aime le café, mais je préfère le thé. 

(I like coffee, but I prefer tea.)

C'est incroyable, mais vrai. 

(It's incredible, but true.)