pero
Lemma Details
Translation: but; however; yet; though
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'per hoc' meaning 'through this' or 'because of this', which evolved to 'pero' in Spanish. The Latin 'per' (through) is found in English words like 'permeate' and 'persist', while 'hoc' relates to English 'this' through Indo-European roots. The evolution from a phrase meaning 'because of this' to a contrastive conjunction shows how language shifts meaning over time.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'pair of' contrasting ideas connected by 'pero'
- Imagine a pear ('pera' in Spanish) with two contrasting halves joined by 'pero'
- Associate with the English word 'peruse' - when you peruse (examine) something, you often find contrasting elements
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
One of the most frequently used conjunctions in Spanish, 'pero' is essential in everyday conversation. Spanish speakers often use 'pero' to soften disagreements or to introduce a counterpoint in a discussion. The phrase 'pero bueno' is commonly used as a discourse marker to express resignation or to change the subject.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Pero' introduces a contrast but doesn't negate the previous statement, while 'sino' introduces a correction after a negative statement.
Notes: 'Pero' allows both ideas to coexist with contrast, while 'sino' replaces the first idea with the second.
Mnemonic: Think of 'pero' as 'but' and 'sino' as 'but rather' or 'but instead'
Explanation: 'Pero' simply connects contrasting ideas, while 'aunque' means 'although' or 'even though' and introduces a concession.
Notes: 'Aunque' typically begins a dependent clause, while 'pero' connects independent clauses.
Mnemonic: 'Aunque' starts with 'a' like 'although', while 'pero' is just 'but'