what is the difference between sino and pero?

Question

Could you give me examples of when to use sino and pero? thanks.

welcome to the forum! - swing, Jun 26, 2010

sino is like "but rather" - ian-hill, Jun 26, 2010

Answer 1

sino is like "but rather"

Great, simple answer. Thanks! - lolita342, Jun 26, 2010

That is a great answer Ian. - billy-jones, Jun 26, 2010

Answer 2

Pero is but. Sino is also but, just a bit used a bit different:

1. But: used in contrasting an affirmative idea with a negative. No es blanco -> sino negro, it is not white, but black
2. Except, besides (salvo). Nadie lo sabe sino Juan -> nobody knows it except John
3. Solely, only: always proceded by a negative proposition. No sino -> not only so

Very helpful. Thanks! - lolita342, Jun 26, 2010