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sino means but rather — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 4, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

sino

conjunction • /[SEE-noh]/

but rather

Example:

No es caro sino caro.

It’s not expensive but expensive.

🧠 What does sino mean?

Sino is a Spanish conjunction that means 'but rather' or 'on the contrary.' It's used to correct a previous statement and introduce a contrasting idea. Think of it as a way to say, 'No, that's not right, it's actually this.' It's a bit more emphatic than 'pero' (but) and signals a stronger contrast or correction.

📚 Extra examples

  • No quiero café, sino té.
    I don't want coffee, but rather tea.
  • No es mi hermana, sino mi prima.
    She's not my sister, but my cousin.
  • No solo estudia español, sino que también lo habla con fluidez.
    Not only does he study Spanish, but he also speaks it fluently.
  • El problema no es el dinero, sino el tiempo.
    The problem isn't the money, but the time.
  • No lo hizo a propósito, sino por accidente.
    He didn't do it on purpose, but rather by accident.

💡 Did You Know?

Using 'sino' shows you're correcting something and offering the right information, making you sound knowledgeable and precise!

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sino"

Synonyms: mas bien, por el contrario
Opposites: pero

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'but rather' in Spanish?
The Spanish equivalent of 'but rather' is 'sino.'
How do you pronounce 'sino' in Spanish?
Sino is pronounced 'SEE-noh,' with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'sino' in a sentence?
Use 'sino' after a negative statement to introduce a contrasting idea. For example, 'No es azul, sino verde' (It's not blue, but green).
What is the English translation of 'sino'?
Sino translates to 'but rather,' 'on the contrary,' or 'but' (when correcting something).
Does 'sino' change for gender or number?
No, 'sino' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'sino' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sino' is a common conjunction used in both spoken and written Spanish.
Does 'sino' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'sino' doesn't have any slang meanings or double meanings. Its meaning is fairly straightforward.
Is 'sino' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use of 'sino' is consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

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