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"Si no" is a conjunction which is often translated as "unless", and "por lo demás" is a phrase which is often translated as "apart from that". Learn more about the difference between "si no" and "por lo demás" below.
si no(
see
noh
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
1. (except if)
a. unless
No pueden pasar a la sala de conferencias si no son prensa.You cannot go into the conference room unless you are press.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Si no cambia de actitud, va a tener muchos problemas en la vida.If he doesn't change his attitude, he's going to have a lot of trouble in life.
Si no fuera por Merche, nunca lo hubiéramos conseguido.If it weren't for Merche, we'd never have managed it.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Si no nos hubieran ocultado información, podríamos haber hecho algo al respecto.Had they not hid information from us, we could have done something about it.
Hace tiempo que hubiera dejado mi puesto si no fuera por el profundo respeto que siento hacia el Presidente.I would have resigned my post long ago if it weren't for my profound respect for the president.
3. (or)
a. otherwise
Prueba a llamarlo por teléfono; si no, siempre puedes mandarle un email.Try calling him up; otherwise, you can always send him an email.
b. or else
Tendrás que ayudarme en la casa; si no, ya puedes despedirte de un celular nuevo estas Navidades.You'll have to help me with the house chores; or else, you can forget about getting a new cellphone for Christmas.
por lo demás(
pohr
loh
deh
-
mahs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. apart from that
Todavía tenemos que reservar una habitación en un hotel. Por lo demás, ya todo está listo.We still need to book a hotel room. Apart from that, everything is ready.
c. otherwise
La entrada estaba fría. Por lo demás, la comida estuvo perfecta.The starter was cold. Otherwise, the meal was perfect.
