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

Этот домик снаружи страшненький, зато уютный внутри.
This little house looks rather unattractive on the outside, but it’s cozy inside.
Топор точится долго, но зато потом режет отлично.
The ax takes a long time to sharpen, but afterward it cuts excellently.
Не так престижно, зато интересно и хорошо платят.
It’s not as prestigious, but it’s interesting and well paid.
Наша шко́льная библиоте́ка небольша́я, но зато но́вая.
Our school library is small, but new.
Забор построили кривовато, зато быстро.
They built the fence rather crookedly, but at least they did it quickly.
Зато вы́годы, представляемые введе́нием лати́нского шри́фта, огро́мны.
But the benefits offered by the introduction of the Latin script are enormous.
Том не мог вспо́мнить, зато Мэри смогла́.
Tom couldn't remember, but Mary did.
Дизайн простой и утилитарный, зато удобный.
The design is simple and utilitarian, but convenient.

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 ...!

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