Sino (en. But)

/siˈno/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

conjunction

Used to establish a contradiction between two clauses.

It's not that I don't like it, but rather that I prefer something different.

No es que no me guste, sino que prefiero algo diferente.

Introduces the second part of an adversative relationship.

I wanted to go out, but rather I had to work.

Quería salir, sino que tenía que trabajar.

Used to correct or clarify a previous statement.

She is not my friend, but rather my sister.

Ella no es mi amiga, sino mi hermana.

From Latin 'sīc nōn', meaning 'thus not'.

it's not that ... but rather that ...

Used to introduce a clarification or correction to the previous statement.

no es que ... sino que ...

not only ... but also ...

Used to add information that reinforces what was previously said.

no solo ... sino también ...

it wasn't ... but rather ...

Structure used to correct a mistaken idea.

no era ... sino ...

but

Conjunction used to contrast ideas.

mas

although

Used to introduce an objection.

aunque

on the other hand

Phrase that introduces a different point or contrast.

por otro lado

Used to refer to a contrasting situation.

I don't see it as a failure, but rather as a learning experience.

No lo veo como un fracaso, sino como un aprendizaje.

To emphasize the difference between two things.

It's a good thing, but rather it's better than we thought.

Es una cosa buena, sino que es mejor de lo que pensábamos.