sino
“sino” means “but rather” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
but rather
Also: but instead, except
📝 In Action
No quiero té, sino café.
A2I don't want tea, but rather coffee.
El coche no es rojo, sino azul oscuro.
A2The car isn't red, but dark blue.
No solo corrimos, sino que también nadamos.
B1We didn't just run, but we also swam.
¿Quién podría hacerlo sino tú?
B2Who could do it but you?
destiny
Also: fate
📝 In Action
Aceptar su sino fue la decisión más valiente.
C1Accepting his destiny was the bravest decision.
El poeta escribió sobre el trágico sino de los héroes.
C1The poet wrote about the tragic fate of the heroes.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sino
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'sino'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'sino' actually has two different origins. As a conjunction ('but rather'), it comes from the Latin words 'si' (if) and 'non' (not) squished together. As a noun ('destiny'), it comes from the Latin word 'signum' (a sign or mark), as in a sign from the gods about one's fate.
First recorded: 12th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest difference between 'pero' and 'sino'?
Think of it this way: 'pero' means 'but' and adds a contrasting idea ('It's sunny, but cold'). 'Sino' means 'but rather' and replaces a negative idea ('It's not sunny, but rather cloudy'). If the first part of your sentence has a 'no', you probably need 'sino'.
When do I have to use 'sino que' instead of just 'sino'?
You need to add 'que' when the second part of the sentence has its own verb. Compare: 'No es un libro, sino una revista' (no verb after sino) vs. 'No leí el libro, sino que vi la película' (the verb 'vi' comes after).
Is it common to hear 'sino' used to mean 'destiny'?
Not really in everyday chat. It's a more formal, literary word. You're much more likely to hear your friends use 'destino'. But you will definitely see 'sino' in books, poems, and movies!