salvo
“salvo” means “except” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
except, save for
Also: unless, but 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.
safe, unharmed
📝 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.
I save
Also: I save, I overcome
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: salvo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'salvo' to mean 'except'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Salvo' comes from the Latin word 'salvus', which meant 'safe, whole, or healthy'. You can see this root in many English words like 'salvation', 'salvage', and even 'safe' itself, which came to English through French.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).