sin excusas
/sin eɡskusas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no excuses" is translated into Spanish as sin excusas.
This phrase is used to state that no reasons or justifications will be accepted for a failure or mistake.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition sin (without) and the plural noun excusas (excuses).
Which one should you use?
Nada de excusas translates to "no excuses at all", No vale ninguna excusa means "no excuse counts" and Ni un solo pretexto means "not even a single excuse".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase No hay excusas is a universal option used in Spain and most Latin American countries. In Mexico and some Central American countries, No hay pretextos is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form sin excusas is the standard way to say "no excuses". However, the singular form sin excusa can be used to mean "without any excuse" or "unjustifiably".
How do you pronounce it?
/sin eɡskusas/
Did you know?
- The word sin is a direct cousin of the English word 'sans', which is used in phrases like 'sans teeth' or 'sans everything'. Both words trace their ancestry back to the Latin word sine.
- In Spanish, pretexto often implies a 'false' or 'fabricated' reason. Using No hay pretextos can subtly suggest the speaker believes the other person is lying.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying sin excusas in a professional setting can be seen as overly blunt. It is frequently softened with a polite lead-in to avoid appearing rude.
Examples in context
- No acepto errores, sin excusas.I don't accept errors, no excuses.
- Tienes que terminarlo hoy, sin excusas.You have to finish it today, no excuses.
- Mañana vendrás a la reunión, sin excusas.You will come to the meeting tomorrow, no excuses.
- Quiero el informe para las cinco, sin excusas.I want the report by five, no excuses.
Example conversation
A manager is giving a strict deadline to an employee.
- ElenaJavier, necesito este proyecto listo mañana.Javier, I need this project ready tomorrow.
- JavierPero Elena, tengo mucho trabajo pendiente.But Elena, I have a lot of pending work.
- ElenaNo me importa, lo quiero mañana sin excusas.I don't care, I want it tomorrow, no excuses.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré.Alright, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
