"Mas" is a conjunction and can also function as an adverb in certain contexts.
/mas/
In Spanish, "mas" primarily means "but." It is considered a more formal or literary synonym to "pero." Its use is less common in everyday spoken language, where "pero" is preferred. However, "mas" can occasionally appear in written texts, especially in poetry and literature.
The frequency of use for "mas" is low in oral speech compared to "pero," but it may be found more often in written form.
Ella quería ir a la fiesta, mas no pudo.
She wanted to go to the party, but she couldn't.
Quería comprar un coche nuevo, mas decidió ahorrar dinero primero.
He wanted to buy a new car, but he decided to save money first.
Es un buen jugador, mas necesita más práctica.
He is a good player, but he needs more practice.
"Mas" is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions compared to "pero," but it can appear in some poetic or literary contexts. However, we can provide related expressions using "más" which commonly carries the meaning of "more."
Más vale tarde que nunca.
Better late than never.
Más que un amigo, es como un hermano.
More than a friend, he is like a brother.
No hay más ciego que el que no quiere ver.
There is no one more blind than he who does not want to see.
Más allá de las palabras, están los hechos.
Beyond words, there are the facts.
A más comida, más fatiga.
More food leads to more fatigue.
The conjunction "mas" comes from the Latin word "māns," which indicates contrast or opposition. The accentuated "más," meaning "more," is derived from the Latin "māius." Over time, the two have diverged in meaning but share a common linguistic history.
Synonyms: - Pero (for "mas") - Sin embargo (however) - Aunque (although)
Antonyms: - Y (and) - Asimismo (likewise)
In summary, "mas" is a conjunction primarily used in formal contexts, while "más" is more common in everyday language when meaning "more." Despite its limited use, both forms have significant roles in the Spanish language, particularly in literature.