sino
Lemma Details
Translation: but rather; but instead; but; except; but on the contrary
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: Sino comes from the Latin 'si non' meaning 'if not'. It evolved in Spanish to express contrast or exception, particularly after a negative statement. Unlike the English 'but' which serves multiple functions, sino specifically introduces a correction or alternative to what has been negated. This etymology helps explain why sino is used in specific contrastive contexts rather than as a general conjunction like 'pero'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'si no' (if not) to remember that sino introduces an alternative to what was negated.
- Remember 'see no evil, speak truth instead' - sino introduces the truth after negating something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Sino is a fundamental conjunction in Spanish that's essential for constructing contrastive statements. Its precise usage distinguishes native-like speech from learner Spanish, as it follows specific grammatical patterns that don't directly map to English 'but'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both are translated as 'but' in English, 'sino' is used after negative statements to introduce a correction or alternative, whereas 'pero' indicates a contrast or limitation without requiring a preceding negative.
Confused word:
Es inteligente pero perezoso.
He's intelligent but lazy.
Notes: Sino requires a preceding negative statement, pero doesn't.
Mnemonic: Sino corrects a negative; pero adds a contrast.
Explanation: Though they sound identical, 'si no' (two separate words) means 'if not' and introduces a conditional clause, while 'sino' (one word) introduces an alternative to a negation.
Confused word:
Vamos a llegar tarde si no nos damos prisa.
We're going to be late if we don't hurry.
Notes: The space between 'si' and 'no' changes the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: One word (sino) = one alternative; two words (si no) = two possibilities (if/then).