If you’ve ever tried to say “but” in Spanish, you might have encountered a variety of options. The most common translation is “pero,” but did you know there are other ways to express contrast or opposition in Spanish? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your conversational skills, understanding when and how to use these words will take your Spanish to the next level. In this guide, we’ll cover the different ways to say “but” in Spanish, with helpful examples and tips to help you master them.
The Most Common Way: ‘Pero’
When and How to Use ‘Pero’ in Spanish
Pero is the most straightforward and widely used translation for “but” in Spanish. It’s used to connect two contrasting ideas or to negate something mentioned previously. It’s perfect for everyday conversations.
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Example 1: “I love coffee, but I prefer tea.” → “Me encanta el café, pero prefiero el té.”
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Example 2: “He is friendly, but sometimes too loud.” → “Es simpático, pero a veces es demasiado ruidoso.”
Tip: Use “pero” when you want to introduce a soft contrast. It’s simple and effective.
Alternative Ways to Say ‘But’ in Spanish
While “pero” is your go-to conjunction, Spanish also offers a few alternatives that are used in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown:
‘Sin embargo’ (However)
“Sin embargo” is used to express a stronger contrast, often in more formal contexts. It’s equivalent to saying “however” in English.
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Example: “I studied a lot, however, I didn’t pass the exam.” → “Estudié mucho, sin embargo, no pasé el examen.”
‘Aunque’ (Although/Even though)
“Aunque” is typically used for concessive clauses, meaning when you acknowledge something but still go ahead with a different idea. It’s great for expressing “although” or “even though.”
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Example: “Although it’s raining, I’ll go for a walk.” → “Aunque está lloviendo, voy a salir a caminar.”
Tip: Use “sin embargo” for more formal situations or when you want to sound more academic, and “aunque” when the contrast is not as strong.
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Practical Examples of ‘But’ in Spanish Sentences
To really understand how to use “pero,” “sin embargo,” and “aunque”, let’s look at some more detailed examples that cover different scenarios:
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“I want to go to the party, but I’m too tired.”
→ “Quiero ir a la fiesta, pero estoy demasiado cansado.” -
“I tried hard, however, I couldn’t finish the task.”
→ “Lo intenté mucho, sin embargo, no pude terminar la tarea.” -
“Although I’m on a diet, I’ll eat a slice of cake.”
→ “Aunque estoy a dieta, voy a comer una rebanada de pastel.”
These examples should help clarify when to use each conjunction in the right context.
FAQs about Saying ‘But’ in Spanish
Can I always use ‘pero’ for ‘but’?
While “pero” is the most common and versatile option, there are times when “sin embargo” or “aunque” is more appropriate, especially in formal or nuanced conversations. Always consider the level of contrast you’re trying to convey.
What are other conjunctions I can use instead of ‘pero’?
In addition to “sin embargo” (however) and “aunque” (although), Spanish has other conjunctions like “por otro lado” (on the other hand) and “no obstante” (nevertheless). They’re less common but still useful for adding variety to your sentences.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “but” in Spanish is crucial for expressing contrasting ideas and adding depth to your language skills. Whether you’re using “pero”, “sin embargo”, or “aunque”, understanding the nuances of these words will help you communicate more naturally and effectively. Don’t stop here—continue your Spanish learning journey with real-world practice and immersion.
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