pero
but
The word for "but" — used to contrast two ideas or add emphasis
Encoding Strategies:
repetition
The most useful translation for pero is but. Nearly every way it's used connects back to a single idea: one thing contrasts with another0.
pero
but
Used to contrast or qualify what was just said, exactly like English "but."
- Quiero ir a la fiesta, pero estoy muy cansado. = I want to go to the party, but I'm very tired.
- Estudié mucho, pero no aprobé el examen. = I studied a lot, but I didn't pass the exam.
but (emphatic)
Used at the start of a sentence to add emphasis or express surprise, without actually contrasting a previous statement — just like English "but" in exclamations.
- ¡Pero qué frío hace hoy! = But wow, it's so cold today!
- Pero ¿adónde crees que vas? = But where do you think you're going?
objection, fault, catch (noun)
As a noun, a "pero" is literally a "but" — a fault, objection, or catch. When you raise a "pero," you're pushing back with a "but..."
- Le propuse el plan y no puso ningún pero. = I proposed the plan and he didn't raise a single objection.
- Todo tiene un pero con ella — nunca está satisfecha. = Everything has a catch with her — she's never satisfied.