The expressions “sino” and “si no” sound the same, but they have different meanings and uses. Their correct spelling depends on the context in which they are used. In this article, MaestroMío will explain clearly and simply when to use “sino” and “si no”. Although they sound similar, they have different meanings and uses in the Spanish language. Keep reading to understand the differences and learn how to use them correctly in your sentences.
When to Use “sino”
A) As an adversative conjunction (equivalent to “instead of” or “but rather”)
✅ It is used to contrast a negative idea with a positive one.
✔ Examples:
- No quiero café, sino té. → I don’t want coffee, but rather tea. (“Sino” introduces the correct option.)
- No fue un error, sino una decisión intencionada. → It wasn’t a mistake, but rather an intentional decision.
📌 Trick: If you can replace “sino” with “instead of” or “but rather”, then it is correct.
B) As a noun (fate or destiny)
✅ It is used when it means “fate” or “destiny.”
✔ Examples:
- El sino de los héroes es la gloria o la tragedia. → The fate of heroes is either glory or tragedy.
- Aceptó su sino con valentía. → He accepted his destiny with courage.
📌 Trick: In these cases, “sino” can be replaced by “destiny.”
When to Use “si no”
As a conditional conjunction (“if” + “no”)
✅ It is used when it means “in case (something) does not happen.”
✔ Examples:
- No iremos al parque si no deja de llover. → We won’t go to the park if it doesn’t stop raining.
- Llámame si no me ves en la entrada. → Call me if you don’t see me at the entrance.
📌 Trick: If you can replace it with “in case (something) doesn’t happen,” then it should be written separately as “si no.”
When a word can be inserted between “si” and “no”
✅ If another word can be placed between “si” and “no,” they should be written separately.
✔ Examples:
- Si mañana no vienes, avísame. → If you don’t come tomorrow, let me know. (“Si no vienes” makes sense.)
- Si tú no quieres, no vamos. → If you don’t want to, we won’t go.
📌 Trick: If you can insert a word between “si” and “no,” they should be written separately.
Summary and Comparison
| Expression | Use | Example | Trick |
| “sino” | Opposition or correction | No compré helado, sino pastel. | Can be replaced with “instead of” or “but rather.” |
| “sino” | Fate or destiny | Su sino fue la gloria. | Can be replaced with “destiny.” |
| “si no” | Condition | Vendré si no llueve. | Can be replaced with “in case (something) doesn’t happen.” |
| “si no” | A word can be inserted | Si tú no vienes, avísame. | If a word can be inserted between “si” and “no,” they should be separate. |
Examples to Avoid Confusion
🔹 Correct:
✔ No es azul, sino verde. ✅ (Opposition, “but rather.”)
✔ Volveremos si no hay tráfico. ✅ (Condition, “in case there is no traffic.”)
✔ Aceptó su sino sin quejarse. ✅ (Destiny, “his fate.”)
✔ Si tú no estudias, reprobarás. ✅ (A word can be inserted: “tú.”)
🔹 Incorrect:
❌ No es azul, si no verde.
❌ Volveremos sino hay tráfico.
By following these tricks and rules, you’ll avoid mistakes and improve your Spanish writing. Practice with examples, and you’ll notice the difference!
