How To Say But In Spanish

Are you struggling with expressing the word “but” in Spanish? Do not worry, you are not alone. Learning how to say "but" in Spanish is an essential skill for those who want to communicate effectively in this beautiful language. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say "but" in Spanish, including regional variations, and provide you with some sample sentences to help you practice.

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What is "But" in Spanish?

The word "but" in Spanish can be translated into different words, depending on the context and the intended meaning. Some of the most common translations of "but" in Spanish include:

• Pero
• Sin embargo
• Aunque
• Sino
• Mas

Each of these translations has a specific usage, so let's take a closer look at each of them.

Meaning of "But" in Spanish

Pero: This is the most common translation of "but" in Spanish. It is used to contrast two ideas, actions or situations that seem to be opposing or contradictory. For example:

• Quiero ir al cine, pero no tengo dinero.

(I want to go to the cinema, but I don't have any money.)

• La comida estaba deliciosa, pero la atención fue pésima.

(The food was delicious, but the service was terrible.)

Sin embargo: This expression can be translated as "however" or "nevertheless". It is used to introduce a contrast between two ideas or situations. For example:

• El examen fue difícil, sin embargo, saqué una buena nota.

(The exam was difficult, however, I got a good grade.)

• Me gusta mucho el cine, sin embargo, no tengo mucho tiempo para ir.

(I really like movies, nevertheless, I don't have much time to go.)

Aunque: This word can be translated as "although" or "even though". It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or contradiction to the main clause. For example:

• Aunque hace frío, voy a salir a caminar.

(Although it's cold, I'm going for a walk.)

• Aunque no me gusta el fútbol, voy a ver el partido por mi amigo.

(Even though I don't like soccer, I'm going to watch the game for my friend.)

Sino: This conjunction can be translated as "but rather" or "except". It is used to introduce a statement that contradicts a previous negative statement. For example:

• No tengo hambre, sino sed.

(I'm not hungry, but rather thirsty.)

• No soy de Madrid, sino de Barcelona.

(I'm not from Madrid, but rather from Barcelona.)

Mas: This is an archaic conjunction that is used in formal or literary contexts. It can be translated as "but" or "yet". For example:

• Todos estaban cansados, mas nadie quería irse a dormir.

(Everyone was tired, yet no one wanted to go to sleep.)

• El rey estaba triste, mas no lo demostró.

(The king was sad, but he didn't show it.)

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Translating "But" to Spanish

To translate "but" to Spanish, it is important to consider the different usages of this word.

• Pero (IPA: /ˈpeɾo/)
• Sin embargo ( /sin em.baɾ.ˈɣo/)
• Aunque: (IPA: /aŋˈk.e/)
• Sino: (IPA: /ˈsi.no/)
• Mas: (IPA: /mas/)

Regional Differences

As with any language, Spanish varies depending on the region. While the meanings of "pero" and "sino" are generally the same throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there are some regional differences in the usage of these words. In some countries, "mas" is still used more often than "pero", and in others, "aunque" is more common.

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Sample Sentences on How to Say "But" in Spanish

Here are five sample sentences to help you understand how to use "but" in different contexts:

• Quiero salir, pero no tengo dinero.

(I want to go out, but I don't have any money.)

• No es alto, pero es muy fuerte.

(He isn't tall, but he's very strong.)

• No soy doctor, pero sé mucho sobre medicina.

(I'm not a doctor, but I know a lot about medicine.)

• No es mi hermana, pero somos muy cercanas.

(She's not my sister, but we're very close.)

• No me gusta el café, pero lo tomo todas las mañanas.

(I don't like coffee, but I drink it every morning.)

Conclusion

Learning how to say "but" in Spanish is a fundamental aspect of mastering the language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding how to use "pero" and its synonyms will help you communicate more effectively and accurately. Remember that regional differences in usage may exist, and practice using "but" in different contexts to become more comfortable and proficient in its use.