a menos que
/a ˈmenos ke/
The English word 'unless' is translated into Spanish as a menos que.
a menos que is a conjunction used to introduce the only condition or exception that would change a situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase a menos que must be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈmenos ke/
Did you know?
- The word que in a menos que is actually a linguistic descendant of the Latin word for 'what', which is why it is a distant cognate of the English word 'who'.
- While a menos que is common, Spanish speakers often use the simpler salvo que to express 'unless', which literally translates to 'except that'.
- The word menos can also be used as a preposition meaning 'except', as in todos menos yo for 'everyone except me'.
Examples in context
- Yo también voy, a menos que llueva.Unless it rains, I will go, too.Tatoeba #2010193 by marcelostockle, translation #26908 by CK
- Vamos a salir – a menos que llueva.Let's go out unless it rains.Tatoeba #3745600 by ulymarrero, translation #26990 by fcbond
- No tienes que ir a menos que quieras.You don't have to go unless you want to.Tatoeba #1143197 by marcelostockle, translation #17865 by CK
- No aceptaremos la propuesta a no ser que cumplas con todas las condiciones.We won't accept the proposal unless you meet all the conditions.
- No podrás ingresar al concierto, a no ser que muestres tu boleto.You won't be able to enter the concert unless you show your ticket.
- No te dejaré entrar a menos que me digas la contraseña.I won't let you in unless you tell me the password.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing their plans for the evening.
- AlejandroPodemos ir al cine, a menos que estés muy cansada.We can go to the cinema, unless you are very tired.
- MaríaNo estoy cansada, pero prefiero comer algo primero.I am not tired, but I prefer to eat something first.
- AlejandroEstá bien, comeremos algo a menos que la cocina esté cerrada.It's fine, we will eat something unless the kitchen is closed.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Alejandro, todo estará abierto.Don't worry, Alejandro, everything will be open.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a menos que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, menos, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
