Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| excepto | /e(ɡ)ˈθebto/ /e(ɡ)ˈsebto/ |
| salvo | /ˈsalbo/ |
| sino | /ˈsino/ |
| mas | /mas/ |
In the sense of 'except', you can use excepto or salvo. The word salvo can be used as a preposition meaning 'except' or 'unless', often appearing in legal or formal contexts. For the sense of 'but' used to introduce contrast, pero is the most common and versatile word for but in Spanish. If you want to introduce a contrasting idea, use aunque, which is similar to although in English. For a formal way to say 'but', use Sin embargo. No obstante is a formal term equivalent to however or nevertheless in English.
Which one should you use?
The choice between pero and sino depends on whether you are correcting a negative statement. Use sino when the first part of the sentence is a negation and you are correcting it with an alternative (e.g., 'Not X, but Y'). Use pero to add a contrasting thought or nuance, rather than to correct a negative statement with a positive one.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sin embargo is a formal way to say 'but'. The form mas (without an accent) is a formal or literary way to say 'but' and is rarely used in everyday spoken Spanish. Additionally, salvo often appearing in legal or formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When sino is used to mean 'nothing but' or 'only', it is often preceded by a negative construction like no soy sino… (I am nothing but…).
How do you pronounce it?
/e(ɡ)ˈθebto/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse mas (without accent) with más (with accent). mas means 'but' in a literary sense, while más means 'more'.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- No soy sino un mentiroso.I am nothing but a liar.This sentence uses sino to express the idea of 'nothing but'.Tatoeba #582899 by Leono, translation #12403588 by morbrorper
- Fui no una vez, sino dos.I went not once, but twice.This sentence uses sino to correct a negative statement with a positive one.Tatoeba #1686793 by Shishir, translation #1664266 by Spamster
- No es pesado, sino ligero.It’s not heavy, but light.This sentence uses sino to provide a contrast between two qualities.Tatoeba #1767562 by marcelostockle, translation #770094 by marloncori
- Me gusta el chocolate, sin embargo debo controlar mi consumo.I like chocolate, but I must control my consumption.
- Es un lugar hermoso, no obstante el clima puede ser impredecible.It's a beautiful place, but the weather can be unpredictable.
- Está enfermo, pero a pesar de eso, sigue trabajando.He is sick, but despite that, he continues to work.
- Quería ir al cine, pero no tengo suficiente dinero.I wanted to go to the movies, but I don't have enough money.
- No me gusta el café, aunque a mucha gente le encanta.I don't like coffee, although many people love it.
- Estaba cansado, sin embargo, decidí salir con mis amigos.I was tired, but I decided to go out with my friends anyway.
- No quería ir, pero igual fui por ti.I didn't want to go, but anyway, I went for you.
- No solo es alto, sino que también es muy guapo.He is not only tall, but also very handsome.
- 391 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are planning a group outing.
- ElenaTodos pueden venir, excepto Alejandro.Everyone can come, except Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo es cierto, yo también puedo ir.That's not true, I can go too.
- ElenaEntonces, todos estamos invitados.Then, we are all invited.
- Alejandro¡Perfecto! Nos vemos allá.Perfect! See you there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “but” translations and entries excepto, salvo, sino, mas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries excepto, mas, salvo, sino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
