sin
/ˈsin/
The Spanish word for "without" is sin.
The most common and universal way to say "without" in Spanish is using sin.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a preposition, sin is invariable and does not change its form to match gender or number. Note that when following sin with first-person or second-person singular pronouns, you must use the stressed forms mí (me) and ti (you) rather than the object pronouns me or te.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsin/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying sin me when you mean "without me". The correct form is sin mí.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, sin can be used in a way that mirrors the English 'less', such as in the word sinvergüenza, which literally means 'without shame'.
- The Spanish word sin is a direct cousin to the English word 'sans', which is often used in high-end culinary or poetic contexts to mean 'without'.
- The phrase sin darle tiempo al tiempo is a popular idiom meaning to be impatient or to rush a process that requires patience.
Examples in context
- No iré sin ti.I won't go without you.This sentence shows how to use sin with the second-person singular pronoun ti.Tatoeba #7968550 by arh, translation #7967475 by CK
- Se fue sin mí.She left without me.This sentence demonstrates the use of sin with the first-person singular pronoun mí.Tatoeba #13845705 by Seael, translation #7480269 by CH
- No comas sin mí.Don't eat without me.This sentence is another example of using sin with the first-person singular pronoun mí.Tatoeba #5979709 by diegohn, translation #2395985 by CK
- Sin dudaWithout a doubt
- Salir sin permisoTo leave without permission
- Lo hizo sin ayudaHe did it without help
- Desprovisto de recursosDevoid of resources
- Desprovistos de sentidoWithout meaning
- Salí sin dineroI went out without money
- Comer sin cubiertosTo eat without utensils
- Vamos sin prisasLet's go without hurry
- La ciudad carece de recursosThe city lacks resources
- Carecemos de solucionesWe are without solutions
- 1225 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are preparing for a walk in the park.
- Sofía¿Vienes al parque sin tu perro?Are you coming to the park without your dog?
- JavierSí, hoy no lo puedo traer.Yes, I cannot bring him today.
- SofíaEstá bien, pero no te olvides de las llaves.That's fine, but don't forget your keys.
- JavierNo te preocupes, no saldré sin ellas.Don't worry, I won't go out without them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
