Introduction

Conjunctions link sentences (indicated in red and blue in the examples) and create relationships between them.

• As an adversative conjunction, "Pero" (But) is used to justify,  counteract or compensate for what is stated in the first sentence:  

Quería comprarte un vestido, pero las tiendas estaban cerradas.

I wanted to buy you a dress, but the stores were closed.

El aula es pequeña, pero tiene mucha luz.

The classroom is small, but has lots of light.

• "Pero" can also express a concessive meaning when used to indicate that something is done despite the circumstances hindering the action:

No le gusta el trabajo, pero siempre es puntual.

He doesn't like his job, but he is always punctual.

• ["Mas" (no accent mark, differentiated this way from the adverb "más", accented) is an archaic form of "Pero" to be found mostly in written language.]

   

• "¡Pero...!" and "¡Pero si...!" are used as exclamations or to add emphasis. "¡Pero si...!" usually indicates an objection or protest.

¡Pero qué niño tan bueno!

What a good boy!

¡Pero si yo no he hecho nada!

But I didn't do anything!

• Finally, "Pero" can also be used as a noun, in which case it's translated as "objection" or "defect".

Él siempre pone peros a nuestros planes.

He is always raising objections to our plans.

• The conjunction "Sino" is used to contrast the previous negative statement.

El cliente no quería mejores precios sino mejor sevicio.

The client did not want better prices, but (rather) a better service.

• Use "sino que" when this conjuntion precedes a conjugated verb.

Pedro no enseña francés sino que enseña español.

• As a noun, "sino" is "fate, destiny".

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