ma Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Italian , but ] Definition Italian term meaning "but" (or however). It is typically used in musical directives such as the tempo directive "allegro ma non troppo" meaning fast but not too fast. See Also [English] but [French] mais [German] aber [German] jedoch Share Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share on X (opens in a new tab) Last Updated: 2016-06-02 20:38:03