En 15 secondes
- The standard Spanish way to say 'however' or 'nevertheless'.
- Used to connect two opposing or contrasting thoughts smoothly.
- More formal than 'pero' but perfectly fine for daily speech.
Signification
Think of this as the elegant cousin of the word 'but'. It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what you just said.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about the weather
Hace mucho sol. Sin embargo, hace bastante frío.
It is very sunny. However, it is quite cold.
Ordering at a restaurant
La ensalada se ve rica. Sin embargo, prefiero la pizza.
The salad looks delicious. However, I prefer the pizza.
A professional business meeting
El plan es arriesgado. Sin embargo, los beneficios son altos.
The plan is risky. However, the benefits are high.
Contexte culturel
Used frequently in academic and political discourse.
Punctuation Matters
Always use a semicolon or period before 'sin embargo' in writing.
En 15 secondes
- The standard Spanish way to say 'however' or 'nevertheless'.
- Used to connect two opposing or contrasting thoughts smoothly.
- More formal than 'pero' but perfectly fine for daily speech.
What It Means
Sin embargo is the most common way to say 'however' in Spanish. It acts like a pivot point in your conversation. You use it when you have two ideas that don't quite match up. For example, you love your dog, but he chewed your shoes. That 'but' is where sin embargo shines. It sounds a bit more polished than the simple pero.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the start of a new sentence. You can also put it after a semicolon. It almost always needs a comma right after it. This gives your listener a tiny pause to prepare for the twist. It works just like 'nevertheless' or 'nonetheless' in English. It is a transition word that makes you sound very articulate.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound balanced and thoughtful. It is perfect for professional emails or academic writing. You will also hear it in serious news broadcasts. In daily life, use it when explaining a complex situation. It is great for those 'yes, but...' moments with friends. It adds a layer of sophistication to your storytelling.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are in a massive hurry. If you are shouting 'But look!' at a passing car, just use pero. Do not use it if you want to sound very casual or 'street'. It can feel a bit heavy in a fast-paced text message. Also, don't overstay its welcome. Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a textbook.
Cultural Background
The word embargo originally related to legal seizures or hindrances. In a historical sense, saying sin embargo meant 'without any legal impediment.' Over centuries, it moved from the courtroom to the coffee shop. Now, it is the gold standard for contrasting ideas. It reflects the Spanish love for nuanced, slightly formal conversation structures.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even fancier, try no obstante. It is the tuxedo of transition words. For something shorter and punchier, use aun así which means 'even so.' If you are just hanging out with buddies, stick to pero. Each one changes the 'temperature' of your sentence slightly. Sin embargo sits right in the comfortable middle.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is the perfect bridge between casual conversation and professional writing without sounding stiff.
Punctuation Matters
Always use a semicolon or period before 'sin embargo' in writing.
Exemples
6Hace mucho sol. Sin embargo, hace bastante frío.
It is very sunny. However, it is quite cold.
A classic use to show a weather contradiction.
La ensalada se ve rica. Sin embargo, prefiero la pizza.
The salad looks delicious. However, I prefer the pizza.
Used here to change your mind politely.
El plan es arriesgado. Sin embargo, los beneficios son altos.
The plan is risky. However, the benefits are high.
Shows professional balance and critical thinking.
Estoy muy cansado. Sin embargo, iré a tu fiesta.
I am very tired. However, I will go to your party.
Adds a bit of dramatic emphasis to your effort.
Mi gato es muy independiente. Sin embargo, llora si no lo acaricio.
My cat is very independent. However, he cries if I don't pet him.
Highlights a funny contradiction in behavior.
Me dolió lo que dijiste. Sin embargo, te perdono.
What you said hurt me. However, I forgive you.
Used to bridge a gap between pain and resolution.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence.
El examen fue difícil; ________, aprobé.
The semicolon indicates a formal transition is needed.
🎉 Score : /1
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
1 exercicesEl examen fue difícil; ________, aprobé.
The semicolon indicates a formal transition is needed.
🎉 Score : /1
Questions fréquentes
1 questionsYes, it is very common to start a sentence with it.
Expressions liées
No obstante
synonymNevertheless
