Let’s continue learning and practicing linkers and connectors in Spanish. Contrast plays a vital role in language, helping to highlight differences, create emphasis and convey complex ideas. The use of connectors of contrast allows for effective communication by expressing opposing ideas or presenting alternative perspectives.

In this article, we will explore four Spanish connectors of contrast, their usage and provide examples to help you grasp their application in context.

Spanish Connectors of Contrast

Spanish connectors of contrast are words or phrases that establish a contrast between two ideas or actions. By using these connectors, you can enrich your Spanish writing and speaking, adding depth and clarity to your communication. Let’s dive into these four Spanish connectors of contrast and understand their specific usage.

Pero (but)

Probably one of the most widely used Spanish connectors of contrast is pero. This connector introduces a contrast between two ideas or actions.

Quiero ir al cine contigo, pero hay un concierto gratis esta noche.

I want to go to the movies with you, but there is a free concert tonight.

Quiero comprarme ropa, pero tengo que ahorrar para el viaje.

I want to buy some clothes, but I have to save up for the trip.

Mi plan era ir a visitarte, pero me encontré con Antonio por el camino.

My plan was to go and visit you, but I ran into Antonio on my way.

Quiero acompañarte a la escuela, pero mi madre me espera en casa.

I would like to go to school with you, but my mom waits for me at home.

Sino (but rather)

Sino is used to introduce an alternative. Compare the following two sentences.

No me gusta la pasta, pero me gusta la pizza.

I don’t like pasta, but I do like pizza.

No pedí la pasta, sino la pizza.

I didn’t order the pasta, but rather the pizza.

Although the English equivalent of both words is but, pero and sino are not interchangeable. Pero cannot be used when the verb is not repeated in Spanish. In those cases, use sino instead. Let’s see more examples.

No vimos una película de suspense, sino una de terror.

We didn’t see a thriller, but a horror movie instead.

No me gusta el abrigo largo, sino el corto.

I don’t like the long coat, but rather the short one.

Mas (but)

Mas, not to be confused with más (more), is an old way of saying pero. It’s no longer used in spoken Spanish, but you might come across it when reading.

Ella estudió bastante, mas no lo suficiente para pasar la prueba.

She studied a lot, but not enough to pass the test.

Ella habló con Lola, mas no llegaron a ningún acuerdo.

She spoke to Lola, but they didn’t reach any agreement.

No entiendo inglés, mas creo que están enfadados.

I don’t understand English, but I think they’re upset.

Quería visitarte en Berlín, mas no tuvo tiempo.

She wanted to visit you in Berlin, but she didn’t have time.

Aunque (although)

Aunque is used to introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause. It allows the speaker or writer to present an opposing idea while acknowledging its existence.

Aunque su padre es alemán, ella no habla alemán.

Although her dad is German, she doesn’t speak German.

Aunque el vecino de Juan es rico, no es feliz.

Although Juan’s neighbor is rich, he’s not happy.

Aunque está lloviendo, iremos a visitar la ciudad.

Although it’s raining we’ll go visit the city.

Aunque Roberto es joven, no vive con sus padres.

Although Roberto is young, he doesn’t live with his parents.

Exercises

Now let’s practice these Spanish connectors of contrast with the following exercises.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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Linkers and Connectors