Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Not that, but this in Spanish
In Spanish, to say 'not this, but that' when correcting a misunderstanding, we use the word 'sino'. Unlike the general word for 'but' (pero), 'sino' is specifically used after a negative statement to introduce a replacement or correction.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish between 'pero' and 'sino' for corrections.
- Correct misunderstandings gently using 'no... sino'.
- Identify common household objects and relatives in a corrective context.
Spanish phrases for not that, but this
Eso no es un lobo, sino un perro.
That is not a wolf, but a dog.
Use 'sino' because you are replacing 'lobo' with 'perro' after a negative.
Me refiero a la tapa, no al cuenco.
I mean the lid, not the bowl.
When the negative part comes second, you can just use 'no' directly.
Ella no está enfadada, sino cansada.
She is not angry, but tired.
Adjectives like 'cansada' (tired) must match the gender of the subject.
Necesitamos pegamento, no cinta adhesiva.
We need glue, not sticky tape.
A practical way to clarify what supplies are needed for crafts.
No está roto, sino apagado.
It is not broken, just switched off.
'Sino' serves to provide the actual status of the object.
Dije martes, no jueves.
I said Tuesday, not Thursday.
Helpful for clarifying schedules with children.
Esta no es tu bufanda, sino la mía.
This is not your scarf, but mine.
'La mía' is the possessive pronoun meaning 'mine'.
No estamos esperando a papá, sino a mamá.
We are not waiting for Dad, but for Mum.
Don't forget the 'a' before people (the personal 'a').
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
Sino
But (rather)
Used only after a negative to provide a correction.
Tapa
Lid
Commonly used for pots, jars, or containers.
Cuenco
Bowl
Specifically a deep bowl for soup or cereal.
Apagado
Off / Switched off
The opposite of 'encendido' (on).
Sino vs. Pero
Use 'pero' to add information that contrasts. Use 'sino' to contradict a negative and provide the correct version.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Correction (Sino) | No [A], sino [B] | No es azul, sino verde. |
| Contrast (Pero) | [Sentence], pero [Contrast] | Es viejo, pero funciona. |
More examples
No quiero leche, sino zumo.
I don't want milk, but juice.
A very common table-side correction.
No es un gato, sino un conejo.
It's not a cat, but a rabbit.
Clarifying animals for toddlers.