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".