Spanish word

pero

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpeɾo/

Meaning

  • conjunctionbut

Example

Quería ir al cine, pero estoy cansado.

I wanted to go to the movies, but I'm tired.

Illustration for pero (but)

More examples

Estaba lloviendo, pero aun así salimos a pasear.

It was raining, but even so we went for a walk.

Core concept

A conjunction introducing an opposing or qualifying idea.

Common phrases

  • pero aun así

    but even so

Similar words

sino: Negates a previous negative claim and replaces it with the true alternative.
aunque: Concedes that something is true but shows that the main outcome remains different.
sin embargo: Presents a contradiction or opposing fact, commonly used to link sentences or paragraphs.
no obstante: States a contrasting fact or restriction in a more formal or cautious register.

Definition in Spanish

Introduce una idea que contrasta o limita lo dicho antes.

Word origin

It derives from Vulgar Latin *però and ultimately from Latin per with a small connective suffix, cognate with Italian peró and Catalan però.

Usage tips

  • Often set off by a comma, pero frequently softens disagreement or adds a personal aside rather than delivering a blunt contradiction.

Other meanings

  • howeverconjunction
  • thoughconjunction

Word lists with this word