In Spanish we can say "but" in three different ways: pero, sino or sino que.
This is generally confusing for English speakers because both conjunctions have a similar function in the sentence.
Learn about the difference between pero, sino and sino que
Pero
Pero is a conjunction that is used in a second clause to make a contrast or make a limitation to the idea expressed in the previous clause.Have a look at these examples:
In both examples above, the second clauses after pero are expressing a contrast to the first part.
In the examples above, the second clauses after pero are expressing a limitation to the first part.
Sino
Sino is also a conjunction, we use it to correct what has been said in the first part of the sentence. In the first part of the sentence there is always a negative element and after sino we substitute that element for another.
Notice how in all the examples above first there is a negative part of the sentence and the second part introduced by sino substitutes the negative element from the first part.
It would be incorrect to use sino when the first part of the sentence is affirmative:
Tenemos vino de La Rioja sino vino de Extremadura.
No tenemos vino de la Rioja sino vino de Extremadura.
We don't have any wine from La Rioja but [we have wine] from Extremadura.
We need to give special attention to negative sentences because both pero and sino can be used and they seem very similar.
Let's see how to differentiate them:
In the first example we are adding an idea that makes a contrast with the first negative idea. (pero)
In the second example we are not adding an idea but giving a substitute to the first negative idea. (sino)
Sino que...
In all the examples above with sino, the verb in the second part of the sentence is omitted because it is the same verb as in the first part so we do not need to mention it again:
Esta noche no vamos al cine sino [vamos] al teatro.
Tonight we are not going to the cinema but [we are going] to the theatre.
If we need a different conjugated verb in the second clause after sino, then we need to add "que" after sino.
Be careful:
The conjunction sino is a single word, not two (si no)
The conjunction sino is a single word, not two (si no)
See also How to say "not only but" in Spanish
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Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
Hoy no sales con tus amigos sino que te quedas en casa.Today you are not going out with your friends but you are staying at home.
En mi fiesta no hicimos juegos tradicionales sino que bailamos sin parar.At my party we didn't do traditional games but we danced nonstop.
Esta noche no vamos al cine sino al teatro.Tonight we are not going to the cinema but to the theatre.
No estoy buscando el vestido azul sino el vestido rojo.I am not looking for the blue dress but the red dress.
