لكن

Etymology
. Bravmann proposes an origin in, but does not provide a convincing explanation for the contraction of the ā or for the suspicious similarity to and  in the alternation of the ending.

Conjunction

 * 1) but, however

Usage notes

 * functions like and, shifting the subject of the subordinate clause to the accusative case. The subject of the subordinate clause must immediately follow ; if it is a pronoun, it must be expressed. Contrast this syntactic function and the following examples with  below.

Conjunction

 * 1) but, however
 * 2) but, rather
 * 3) but not, after an affirmative.
 * 1) but not, after an affirmative.
 * 1) but not, after an affirmative.

Usage notes

 * acts as a simple conjunction, with the subject of the subordinate clause in the nominative; the subject may follow immediately or be delayed. If it is a pronoun, it may be omitted. Contrast this syntactic function and the following examples with above.
 * is often preceded by.
 * is often preceded by.
 * is often preceded by.

Descendants

 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani:
 * Hindustani: