Spanish · C1 · Everyday language
Almost Everything Is Just Right in Spanish
This guide focuses on describing scenarios where everything is nearly perfect or consistent, with the exception of one small detail. In Spanish, we use 'excepto que' or 'salvo que' to introduce these minor factual exclusions, maintaining a warm and reassuring tone for everyday parenting moments.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'excepto que' to introduce exceptions.
- Understand the difference between factual exceptions and hypothetical conditions.
- Practice C1-level sentence structure incorporating subordinate clauses.
- Use natural Spanish phrasing for daily household routines.
Spanish phrases for almost everything is just right
Estás todo limpio, excepto que todavía tienes un poquito de leche en la barbilla.
You're all clean, except that there's still a little milk on your chin.
'Excepto que' is the most direct translation for 'except that' in factual observations.
Estamos listos para el paseo, salvo que aún no me he puesto los zapatos.
We're ready for our walk, except that I haven't put my shoes on yet.
'Salvo que' is a sophisticated and common alternative to 'excepto que'.
Tus cosas del baño están todas aquí, salvo que tu toalla todavía está en el estante.
Your bath things are all here, except that your towel is still on the shelf.
Note the use of 'estante' for shelf and 'todavía' for still.
Hay silencio en nuestra habitación, excepto que podemos oír un pajarito afuera.
It's quiet in our room, except that we can hear a bird outside.
Use 'se puede oír' or 'podemos oír' to describe the background sound.
Teddy se ve igual que antes, excepto que su lazo está un poco torcido.
Teddy looks just as he did before, except that his ribbon is a little crooked.
'Igual que' expresses 'just as' or 'the same as'.
Tu taza es justo como la mía, excepto que la tuya tiene dos asas.
Your cup is just like mine, except that yours has two handles.
'Asa' is the specific word for a handle on a cup or pot.
Todo está listo para el cambio de pañal, salvo que aún no he abierto el pañal limpio.
Everything is ready for your nappy change, except that I haven't opened the clean nappy yet.
A nappy is 'un pañal' in Spanish.
Nuestra canción de cuna es la misma de siempre, excepto que papá la está cantando esta noche.
Our bedtime song is the same as always, except that Daddy is singing it tonight.
'La misma de siempre' is a common idiomatic way to say 'the same as always'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
salvo que
except that / unless
In factual contexts like these, it functions as 'except that'. In hypothetical contexts, it can mean 'unless' and trigger the subjunctive.
barbilla
chin
Specifically the anatomical chin; 'mentón' is more formal.
torcido
crooked / twisted
Used for physical objects that are not straight.
asa
handle
Used for cups, bags, or pots. Distinct from 'pomo' (doorknob) or 'mango' (tool handle).
Exceptive Clauses: Indicative vs. Subjunctive
When 'excepto que' or 'salvo que' introduces a known, factual exception to a general statement, we use the Indicative mood. This differs from 'a menos que' (unless), which always requires the Subjunctive because it introduces a condition.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Factual Exception | Excepto que + Indicative | Todo está bien, excepto que falta una pieza. |
| Hypothetical Condition | A menos que + Subjunctive | No iremos, a menos que deje de llover. |
More examples
El dibujo está terminado, excepto que falta pintar el sol.
The drawing is finished, except that the sun needs to be painted.
Factual observation using the indicative 'falta'.
Tu cena está lista, salvo que todavía está muy caliente.
Your dinner is ready, except that it is still very hot.
Using 'salvo que' to note a small temporary exception.