Inklingo

How to Say "however" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “however” is “pero” — use 'pero' as the most common and versatile way to introduce a contrast or exception, suitable for everyday conversation and writing..

pero🔊A1

Use 'pero' as the most common and versatile way to introduce a contrast or exception, suitable for everyday conversation and writing.

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sin embargo🔊A2

Use 'sin embargo' to connect two contrasting ideas, often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal a shift in thought.

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no obstanteB2

Use 'no obstante' to show a contrast or concession, similar to 'nevertheless,' often appearing after a semicolon or at the beginning of a clause.

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ahora🔊B2

Use 'ahora' specifically when introducing a contrasting point that follows a positive statement, implying a shift to a necessary next step or condition.

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mas🔊C1

Use 'mas' as a more formal and literary alternative to 'pero' when connecting contrasting ideas, especially in written Spanish.

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English → Spanish

pero

/peh-roh//'pe.ɾo/

ConjunctionA1General
Use 'pero' as the most common and versatile way to introduce a contrast or exception, suitable for everyday conversation and writing.
A split image with a sunny beach on the left and a rainy city street on the right, representing contrast.

Examples

Me gusta el chocolate, pero no puedo comerlo ahora.

I like chocolate, but I can't eat it now.

La película es buena, pero un poco larga.

The movie is good, but a little long.

Quería salir, pero empezó a llover.

I wanted to go out, but it started to rain.

The Bridge Between Ideas

'Pero' works like a bridge to connect two parts of a sentence. The second part usually adds a contrast, a problem, or an unexpected piece of information to the first part.

Confusing 'Pero' and 'Sino'

Mistake: “No es un perro, pero un gato.”

Correction: No es un perro, sino un gato. (It's not a dog, but rather a cat.) Use 'sino' right after a 'not this...' statement to correct it with a '...but this instead.' Use 'pero' for almost all other 'but' situations, like: 'Es un perro, pero es muy pequeño.' (It's a dog, but it's very small.)

sin embargo

/em-BAR-go//emˈbaɾ.ɣo/

PhraseA2General
Use 'sin embargo' to connect two contrasting ideas, often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal a shift in thought.
A friendly character walking happily on a smooth, sunny path, but encountering a large, colorful arrow that points them abruptly onto a second, contrasting path that is rocky and challenging, illustrating the concept of 'however.'

Examples

Estudié mucho; sin embargo, no aprobé el examen.

I studied a lot; however, I didn't pass the exam.

Es un buen plan. Sin embargo, hay algunos riesgos que debemos considerar.

It's a good plan. Nevertheless, there are some risks we must consider.

The 'However' Phrase: sin embargo

Think of 'sin embargo' as a fancy way to say 'but' or 'however'. It connects two ideas, where the second idea contrasts with or is an unexpected result of the first.

Don't Translate Literally

Mistake: “Thinking 'sin embargo' means 'without embargo'.”

Correction: Treat 'sin embargo' as a single, fixed phrase that means 'however'. The two words always go together to create this meaning.

no obstante

ConjunctionB2General
Use 'no obstante' to show a contrast or concession, similar to 'nevertheless,' often appearing after a semicolon or at the beginning of a clause.

Examples

Hacía mucho frío; no obstante, salimos a caminar.

It was very cold; nevertheless, we went out for a walk.

ahora

/a-O-ra//aˈoɾa/

ConjunctionB2General
Use 'ahora' specifically when introducing a contrasting point that follows a positive statement, implying a shift to a necessary next step or condition.
A balancing scale with a book on one side and a pile of coins on the other, representing the balance of two different ideas.

Examples

Tu ensayo es excelente. Ahora, tienes que revisar la ortografía.

Your essay is excellent. However, you have to check the spelling.

Podemos ir a la playa, es un día soleado. Ahora bien, no tengo coche.

We can go to the beach, it's a sunny day. That said, I don't have a car.

Connecting Contrasting Ideas

This version of "ahora" works like a bridge to connect two thoughts. The first thought is usually positive or neutral, and "ahora" introduces a challenge, problem, or different angle.

mas

/mahs//mas/

ConjunctionC1Formal
Use 'mas' as a more formal and literary alternative to 'pero' when connecting contrasting ideas, especially in written Spanish.
A winding road suddenly ending at the edge of a deep, dramatic canyon, illustrating the concept of contrast or opposition.

Examples

Quiso ayudar, mas no tenía los medios.

He wanted to help, but he didn't have the means.

Es un camino largo y difícil, mas la recompensa es grande.

It is a long and difficult path, yet the reward is great.

Le advertí del peligro, mas no me escuchó.

I warned him of the danger, but he didn't listen to me.

A Formal or Literary 'But'

Think of 'mas' as a fancy, old-fashioned way to say 'but'. It does the same job as 'pero': it connects two ideas that contrast with each other. You put it between the two contrasting parts of the sentence.

The Accent Mark is Everything!

Mistake: “Me gusta el café, mas sin azúcar.”

Correction: This is technically correct, but very unusual in conversation. Most importantly, do NOT confuse it with 'más'. For example, if you want 'more coffee', saying 'Quiero mas café' is wrong. You MUST say 'Quiero más café'.

Choosing Between 'Pero' and 'Sin embargo'

Learners often confuse 'pero' and 'sin embargo'. While both show contrast, 'pero' is more common and direct for everyday use. 'Sin embargo' is slightly more formal and often starts a new clause or sentence to introduce a stronger counterpoint.

Related Translations

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