ila
EE-lah
How to say it
SwahiliilaEE-lahsoon
Englishbut; exceptsoon
Frenchmais ; saufsoon
Meaning
Introduces a contrast, like 'but', or an exception, like 'except' or 'only'.
Good to know
As except it often follows a negative: hakuna ila yeye, there is no one but him; ila tu means except only. Lakini is the most common 'but', and ila is a little softer.
Examples
- Nilitaka kuja, ila nilikuwa mgonjwa.I wanted to come, but I was ill.
- Wote walifika ila Juma.Everyone came except Juma.
- Sina pesa nyingi, ila nitakusaidia kidogo.I don't have much money, but I will help you a little.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.