Just like people being confused by the usage of por vs para, they also fell befuddled when they use pero and sino in Spanish. Pero and sino are the two common words used as but in Spanish. And English-speakers tend to use pero all situations that they would use but in English. However, these two words have slightly different meanings and uses. In this article, we will show you the difference between pero and sino in Spanish.
Pero vs Sino
1. How and when to use Pero?
You should use pero before a complete clause or statement. It could also be translated as "however".
Pero is often used to join two opposite or contrasting idea.
For example:
Estudiar no es divertido, pero es necesario - Studying isn't fun, but it's necessary
Me gustan mucho las manzanas, pero los plátanos me gustan más - I like apples very much, but I like bananas more
How and when to use Sino?
Sino, on the other hand, should be used when what follows the word "but" is not a comple statement or clause. It can also be translated as "on the contrary" or "but rather." Sino is often used in negative sentences in which the second phrase corrects/negates the first.
For example:
No me gusta hablar, sino cantar - I don’t like talking, but rather singing
No solo comimos pastel sino helado también - We didn’t just eat cake but ice cream also
Note:
If what follows "sino" is a subordinate clause or a conjugate verb, use "sino que".
For example:
No sólo estoy enamorado de Silvia, sino que quiero casarme con ella - I’m not only in love with Silvia, but also I want to marry her
Not only...but also...
If you want to say "not only...but also...", use "no solo...sino también..." if what is being mentioned is an object. Use "no sólo...sino que (también/además)..." what follows is a clause.
For example:
Mi amigo no sólo es guapo, sino también simpático - My friend is not only handsome, but also nice
No sólo corro en el gimnasio sino que también levanto pesas - Not only do I run in the gym, but I also lift weights
You may want to see: Saber vs Conocer
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