Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| exceto | /eˈsɛ.tu/ (Brazil) /ɐjʃˈsɛ.tu/ (Portugal) |
| salvo | /ˈsaw.vu/ (Brazil) /ˈsal.vu/ (Portugal) |
When you use 'but' to express exclusion (meaning 'except' or 'apart from'), you should use exceto or salvo. This is different from using 'but' to show a contrast between two ideas, which would require a different word entirely.
Which one should you use?
While exceto is the standard way to express 'except', salvo is a more formal alternative frequently found in legal or official documents. It is important not to confuse these with the word mas, which is used for the conjunction 'but' when showing contrast. Use exceto specifically for the meaning of exclusion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the colloquial phrase só que is a popular way to express 'but'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a preposition meaning 'except', exceto is invariable and does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the noun it follows.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of exceto is /eˈsɛ.tu/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word salvo is a direct relative of the English word 'salvage'. Both come from the Latin 'salvus', which means 'safe' or 'saved'.
- Portuguese has a distinct difference between mas and mais. While mas means 'but', mais means 'more', and confusing them is a common mistake even for native speakers.
- In some regions, people use senão as a way to say 'otherwise' or 'except', but using it incorrectly can change a sentence from a simple exclusion to a threat.
Examples in context
- Todos sorriram exceto Tom.Everybody smiled but Tom.This sentence shows how to use exceto to exclude a specific person from an action.Tatoeba #10648597 by malafaya, translation #10625681 by CK
- Ninguém, exceto eu, ouviu falar isso.Nobody has heard of it but me.This example demonstrates using exceto to exclude a person from a group.Tatoeba #2741512 by Ricardo14, translation #262457 by CK
- Eu gosto de comer tudo, exceto cebola.I can eat anything but onions.This is useful for showing how to exclude a specific item from a general preference using exceto.Tatoeba #902727 by brauliobezerra, translation #254987 by CK
- O projeto é desafiador, contudo estou motivado a enfrentar os obstáculos.The project is challenging, but I am motivated to overcome the obstacles.
- Ela estuda muito para as provas, todavia não consegue obter notas altas.She studies a lot for exams, yet she can't achieve high grades.
- A empresa enfrenta dificuldades financeiras, entretanto continua funcionando.The company is facing financial difficulties, however, it continues to operate.
- Eu gostaria de ir ao cinema, mas estou ocupado hoje à noite.I would like to go to the movies, but I am busy tonight.
- Eu adoro música clássica, porém também aprecio rock.I love classical music, but I also appreciate rock music.
- Eu queria viajar para a praia, mas ao invés disso, decidi explorar as montanhas.I wanted to travel to the beach, but instead, I decided to explore the mountains.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are discussing which guests can attend a small party.
- BeatrizTodos os convidados confirmaram, exceto o Felipe.All the guests confirmed, except Felipe.
- FelipeEu ainda não respondi ao convite?I haven't replied to the invitation yet?
- BeatrizNão, você é o único exceto a Maria.No, you are the only one except Maria.
- FelipeVou confirmar agora mesmo, Beatriz.I will confirm right now, Beatriz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “but” translations and entries exceto, salvo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exceto, salvo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
