Conjunctions - pero and sino
Pero, sino (que)
Conjunctions link and create relationships between clauses.
- Quería comprarte un vestido, pero las tiendas estaban cerradas.
I wanted to buy you a dress, but the stores were closed. - El aula es pequeña, pero tiene mucha luz.
The classroom is small, but has lots of light.
"Pero" can also indicate that something is done despite the circumstances hindering the action:
- No le gusta el trabajo, pero siempre es puntual.
He doesn't like his job, but he is always punctual.
"¡Pero" may also be used to add emphasis.
- ¡Pero qué niño tan bueno!
What a good boy!
"¡Pero si...!" often indicates an objection or protest.
- ¡Pero si yo no he hecho nada!
But I didn't do anything!
"Pero" can also be used as a noun, in which case it's translated as "objection" or "defect".
- Él siempre pone peros a nuestros planes.
He is always raising objections to our plans.
The conjunction "Sino" is used to contrast the previous negative statement.
- El cliente no quería mejores precios sino mejor sevicio.
The client did not want better prices, but (rather) a better service.
Use "sino que" when this conjuntion precedes a conjugated verb.
- Pedro no enseña francés sino que enseña español.
As a noun, "sino" is "fate, destiny".
Category: Study Spanish
