si no
Lemma Details
Translation: if not; unless; otherwise; or else
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: Composed of 'si' (if) and 'no' (not). 'Si' comes from Latin 'si' (if, whether), while 'no' derives from Latin 'non' (not). The combination creates a conditional negative construction that introduces the consequence of a condition not being met.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Debes estudiar si no quieres reprobar el examen.
You must study if you don't want to fail the exam.
Llámame si no puedes venir.
Call me if you can't come.
Cierra la puerta, si no entrará el frío.
Close the door, otherwise the cold will come in.
Debes disculparte, si no perderás su amistad.
You must apologize, or else you'll lose their friendship.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'si no' as 'see? no!' - if you don't see (understand) something, then something else will happen.
- Connect it to the English 'if not' which has the same meaning and similar construction.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common conditional construction in Spanish used in everyday speech and writing. It's one of the fundamental ways to express consequences of conditions not being met.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Si no' (two words) is a conditional construction meaning 'if not' or 'unless', while 'sino' (one word) is a conjunction used to contradict a negative statement, similar to 'but rather' or 'but instead'.
Confused word:
No quiero té sino café.
I don't want tea but rather coffee.
Notes: The distinction between 'si no' and 'sino' is one of the most common sources of confusion for Spanish learners. The space makes all the difference in meaning.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'si no' has a space and introduces a condition ('if not'), while 'sino' is one word and introduces a contradiction ('but rather').
Explanation: 'Si no' includes the negative 'no' which changes the meaning from a simple 'if' condition to 'if not' or 'unless'.
Confused word:
Llámame si llegas a tiempo.
Call me if you arrive on time.
Notes: The addition of 'no' completely changes the condition being established.
Mnemonic: Adding 'no' after 'si' negates the condition that follows.