salvo
/sal-boh/
except
As a preposition, salvo means 'except' or 'save for,' used to point out an exclusion or exception.
salvo(Preposition / Conjunction)
except
?excluding something
,save for
?a slightly more formal way to say 'except'
unless
?used as 'salvo que'
,but for
?if it weren't for
📝 In Action
Todos aprobaron el examen, salvo dos estudiantes.
B1Everyone passed the exam, except for two students.
Puedes comer de todo, salvo los dulces.
B1You can eat everything, except the sweets.
Iremos a la playa, salvo que llueva.
B2We will go to the beach, unless it rains.
💡 Grammar Points
Excluding Something
'Salvo' is a handy word for pointing out an exception to a general statement. It works just like the English word 'except'.
Using 'salvo que'
When you combine it with 'que' to make 'salvo que' (unless), the verb that follows needs to be in a special 'wishing' form called the subjunctive. For example, '...salvo que llueva' (unless it rains), not '...salvo que llueve'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Excepto'
Mistake: "There isn't a big mistake here, but learners often wonder about the difference."
Correction: 'Salvo' and 'excepto' mean the same thing and are almost always interchangeable. 'Excepto' is a little more common in everyday conversation, while 'salvo' can sound a tiny bit more formal.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Natural
Use 'salvo' when you want a direct and clear way to exclude something. It's perfect for both writing and speaking when you want to be precise.
As an adjective, salvo means 'safe' or 'unharmed,' often used in the fixed phrase sano y salvo (safe and sound).
📝 In Action
A pesar del accidente, el conductor está salvo.
B1Despite the accident, the driver is safe.
Los excursionistas fueron encontrados sanos y salvos.
B1The hikers were found safe and sound.
La gata y sus gatitos están a salvo en el refugio.
B2The cat and her kittens are safe in the shelter.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, 'salvo' must change to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'salvo' for one masculine thing, 'salva' for one feminine thing, 'salvos' for multiple masculine things, and 'salvas' for multiple feminine things.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Golden Phrase: 'Sano y Salvo'
You will hear 'sano y salvo' (safe and sound) all the time. It's a fixed phrase used to express relief that someone has come through a dangerous situation without harm.
Salvo is the first-person conjugation of the verb salvar, meaning 'I save' or 'I rescue' from danger.
salvo(Verb)
I save
?from danger, like a hero
I save
?a document on a computer
,I overcome
?an obstacle or difficulty
📝 In Action
Yo salvo el archivo antes de cerrar el programa.
A2I save the file before closing the program.
Si no estudio, no salvo el semestre.
B1If I don't study, I won't save (pass) the semester.
En mis sueños, yo siempre te salvo del peligro.
B1In my dreams, I always save you from danger.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'I' Form
'Salvo' is the form of the verb 'salvar' that you use when you are talking about yourself doing the action right now. It means 'I save'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Which 'Save' to Use?
Mistake: "Using 'salvar' for saving money or putting something away."
Correction: Use 'salvar' for rescuing from danger or saving a file. Use 'ahorrar' for saving money. Use 'guardar' for keeping or putting something away (like leftovers in the fridge).
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Rescuing
While 'salvar' often means rescuing, it's also the standard, everyday word for saving a computer file. So, 'Yo salvo el documento' is perfectly normal.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: salvo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'salvo' to mean 'except'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'salvo', 'excepto', and 'menos'?
They all can mean 'except' and are often interchangeable. 'Excepto' is very common and neutral. 'Menos' is also very common, especially in conversation. 'Salvo' is just as correct but can feel a tiny bit more formal or literary. For most situations, you can use any of them!
How do I know when to use 'salvar', 'guardar', or 'ahorrar' for 'to save'?
It's a common point of confusion! Think of it this way: Use 'salvar' to save someone or something from danger (a hero saves a person) or to save a computer file. Use 'ahorrar' specifically for saving money. Use 'guardar' for keeping, storing, or putting something away (like saving a seat or saving leftovers).