sin
Lemma Details
Translation: without; lacking; free from; devoid of
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: From Latin 'sine' meaning 'without'. This Latin preposition has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning over the centuries. While English uses 'without', Spanish preserved the more direct Latin descendant. The English prefix 'sine-' (as in 'sinecure' - a position requiring little work) comes from the same Latin root.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'sin' as the absence of something - like the English word 'sin' can be thought of as the absence of virtue.
- Remember that 'sin' is short and simple, just like its meaning - the absence of something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
A fundamental preposition in Spanish that appears in numerous fixed expressions and idioms. Understanding its usage is essential for expressing absence or lack of something.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sin' means 'without', while 'sino' means 'but rather' or 'except'. 'Sino' is used after negative statements to introduce a contrasting element.
Notes: 'Sino' is often used in constructions like 'no solo... sino también' (not only... but also).
Mnemonic: 'Sin' is shorter and simpler, just like its meaning (without). 'Sino' has an extra letter 'o' which can remind you it offers an alternative ('o' can remind you of 'or').
Explanation: While 'sin' alone is a preposition, 'sin que' is a conjunction phrase that introduces a subordinate clause and requires the subjunctive mood.
Notes: 'Sin que' connects two clauses where the second one describes something that didn't happen.
Mnemonic: When you see 'sin que', expect a verb in the subjunctive mood to follow.