зато́

fairly common #2523B2

1.
but (to make up for it), in return, but then
До́рого, зато́ ка́чественно.
It's expensive, but the quality makes up for it.
Introduces a positive point that offsets the preceding negative one.
2.
on the other hand, but (for all that)
Он не силён в математике, зато́ хорошо́ рису́ет.
He isn't good at maths, but on the other hand he draws well.
Contrasts one quality with another without a strict trade-off.

Usage info

After зато we say something positive & never negative

Кожаные туфли разнашивались долго, зато потом стали удобными.
The leather shoes took a long time to break in, but they became comfortable afterward.
Этот домик снаружи страшненький, зато уютный внутри.
This little house looks rather unattractive on the outside, but it’s cozy inside.
Мы провози́лись три неде́ли с почи́нкой маши́ны, но зато она теперь бе́гает сносно.
It's taken us three weeks to fix, but at last our car runs satisfactorily.
Стол сделан грубовато, зато очень крепкий.
The table is rather roughly made, but it is very sturdy.
Дом старый, зато обхоженный и тёплый.
The house is old, but it is well maintained and warm.
Забор построили кривовато, зато быстро.
They built the fence rather crookedly, but at least they did it quickly.
Это простецкое решение, зато оно работает.
It's a simple solution, but it works.
Тогда я не знал э́того, зато зна́ю сейчас.
I didn't know it back then, but I know it now.

Compensatory contrast (not X, but Y)
- не ..., зато́ ...
  not ..., but at least/on the plus side ...
- ..., зато́ ...
  ..., but (compensatingly) ...
- Ме́дленно, зато́ ве́рно
  Slowly but surely
- До́рого, зато́ ка́чество высо́кое
  Expensive, but the quality is high
Turn-initial and standalone uses
- Зато́ ...
  But at least ...; on the plus side ...
- Ну зато́ ...
  But hey, at least ...
- Зато́!
  But still! / Worth it!
- Зато́ не ...
  At least not ...
Exclamatory emphasis
- Зато́ как ...!
  But wow, how ...!
- Зато́ како́й ...!
  But what a ...!

LockedUnlock typical usages