what is the difference between: "sino" and "si no"?
They both seem quite the same to me. Could anyone please help? And/ or give some clear examples. Thank you.
6 Answers
Bingo. And to add a little color to "sino", it means "but", HOWEVER it's probably more precisely translated as "but rather", so you don't fall into the easy trap of confusing it with "pero", which also means "but". Then you end up not knowing which one to choose if you learn them as both meaning "but".
So, when "sino" is used, the first part of the clause needs to be in the negative, because "rather" implies rejection of the statement that came before "sino" in favor of what come after. If you think of it that way, you won't make a mistake and use sino incorrectly.
In francobollo's example:
No son cuatro, sino cinco.
- They're not four, but five. <---perfectly fine, BUT
- They're not four, but rather five. <---helps avoid confusion in how to use "sino"
Because, if we change the sentence a tad:
They're four, but five is fine too.
- Son cuatro, sino cinco valen también <---NO!
- Son cuatro, pero cinco valen también. <---Bingo.
You'd never say "they're four, rather five is fine too."
More examples:
- Some people like chocolate, but they can also like vanilla. <--this sentence takes pero
- Some people don't like chocolate, but like vanilla instead <---this sentence takes sino
As an example: You can understand "sino" and "pero" as "but", BUT you do so at the risk of confusing yourself in the proper use of "sino." You should endeavor not to define them the same, BUT (rather) make sure that "sino" means "but rather".
I'll take a shot in Spanish to demonstrate (oy, I'm sure this doesn't sound very natural, but I'm fairly certain the "pero" and "sino" work):
Puedes entender "sino" y "pero" como "but", PERO sería a riesgo de hacerte un lío sobre el uso correcto de "sino". No deberías entenderlos como iguales, SINO deberías asegurar que "sino" solo lleva el sentido de "but rather."
Can you provide an example for which you think they are similar?
Sino is a conjunction, and si no is an adverbial phrase. Although "si" itself is a conjunction, so I believe it requires an additional conjugation of a new verb in the subordinate clause.
I don't want to go to the mall to get shoes, but rather to Payless.
No me gusta ir al centro para comprar zapatos, sino Payless.
Go to Payless if you don't want to go to the mall.
Vaya a Payless si no quisiera ir al centro.
Sino is a conjunction meaning but. Example: No son cuatro, sino cinco. (They're not four, but five).
Si no is the negative form of an If statement. Example: Si no vienes, me enfadaré. (If you do not come, I'll get angry).
I think Aturing´s answer is just right.
Sino (unless) is pretty much only a conjunction
The combination of si no is going to introduce another clause, as an adverb.
But if you have some examples where you think they are the same, then post up and we´ll either be able to help, or barring that, say thanks to you for filling us in on something new.
Sino is used as a conjunction - this is true
It is used in negative sentences and it replaces pero and carries a similar meaning : Not this.....but rather this (or, this instead)
ex: No es valentía, sino inconsciencia = That's not bravery (implied: but rather) recklessness.
Si no = if not, but can also mean otherwise
Esta tarde vamos a dar un paseo en el parque si hace sol o si no vamos a jugar a las cartas a casa de Jorge = This afternoon we're going to take a walk in the park if it's sunny, but if not, we'll go to play cards at George's house.
Esperemos que Carlos llegue pronto, sino... no podremos jugar al tenis juntos = We hope that Carlos will arrive (turn-up) soon otherwise We will not be able to play tennis together.
I hope this helps 
Corrijan mi español, si necesario, por favor.
Muchas gracias a todos.
Sino - but rather Empiezo a entender. No puedo contestar mucho (I'm a beginner learner), sino preguntar.
Si no - If + negative Si no me gusta, no lo quiero.
Pero - but Me gusta el español, pero es complicado.
¿Vale?
