Spanish Contrast Connectors: How to Say 'However' and 'On the Other Hand'
Learn to link contrasting ideas in Latin American Spanish with sin embargo, no obstante, por otro lado and en cambio, with clear examples and a dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you give an opinion in Spanish and then want to present an opposing idea, you need a contrast connector. English uses words like 'however' and 'on the other hand.' Spanish has its own set, and they are not interchangeable: some are formal, some are neutral, and one changes meaning depending on whether you add 'de'. This lesson teaches four high-frequency contrast connectors used in Latin American Spanish so you can link two opposing ideas smoothly in conversation and writing.
By the end, you can…
- contrast two ideas using sin embargo and no obstante in the right register
- introduce an opposing point of view with por otro lado
- use en cambio to highlight a difference between two things
- avoid the common error of confusing en cambio with en cambio de
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Sin embargo, el plan tiene riesgos.
However, the plan has risks.
seen em-BAR-go, el plan TYEH-neh REES-gos
Neutral, very common in both speech and writing across Latin America. Usually followed by a comma.
No obstante, necesitamos más información.
Nevertheless, we need more information.
no obs-TAN-teh, neh-seh-see-TA-mos mas een-for-ma-SYON
More formal than sin embargo. Common in news, reports and academic writing; less frequent in casual chat.
Por otro lado, la propuesta es más económica.
On the other hand, the proposal is cheaper.
por O-tro LA-do, la pro-PWES-ta es mas e-ko-NO-mee-ka
Introduces a second, contrasting aspect of the same topic. Very common in meetings and debates.
En cambio, mi hermana prefiere quedarse.
In contrast, my sister prefers to stay.
en KAM-byo, mee er-MA-na pre-FYEH-reh keh-DAR-seh
Highlights a difference between two people or things already mentioned. Do not confuse with 'en cambio de'.
Sin embargo de que...
(incorrect form; do not use)
seen em-BAR-go deh keh
This is not standard Spanish. Use sin embargo alone, or que at the start of a new clause: Sin embargo, creo que...
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Contrast connectors normally open a clause and are followed by a comma: 'Sin embargo, no estoy de acuerdo.' They can also appear after the first element: 'El precio, sin embargo, es alto.' 'Por otro lado' and 'en cambio' work the same way: 'Por otro lado, es más rápido.' 'En cambio, ella no vino.' Notice that these connectors do not change the grammar of the clause that follows; the verb stays in its normal form.
When to use it
Use 'sin embargo' as your default for 'however' in most situations. Choose 'no obstante' when the tone is formal, for example in a report: 'No obstante, los resultados fueron positivos.' Use 'por otro lado' when you are adding a second perspective on the same issue: 'Es caro. Por otro lado, dura más.' Use 'en cambio' when you compare two specific things or people: 'Yo prefiero el tren; mi hermano, en cambio, prefiere el avión.' In casual conversation, 'pero' is more common, but these connectors sound more polished.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Quiero comprar un carro usado, pero tengo dudas.
I want to buy a used car, but I have doubts.KYEH-ro kom-PRAR un KA-rro u-SA-do, peh-ro TEN-go DOO-dasSin embargo, un carro nuevo es mucho más caro.
However, a new car is much more expensive.seen em-BAR-go, un KA-rro NWE-vo es MOO-cho mas KA-roPor otro lado, un usado puede tener problemas.
On the other hand, a used one can have problems.por O-tro LA-do, un u-SA-do PWEH-deh teh-NER pro-BLE-masEn cambio, un nuevo tiene garantía.
In contrast, a new one has a warranty.en KAM-byo, un NWE-vo TYEH-neh ga-ran-TEE-aA little context goes a long way
In Latin American Spanish, 'sin embargo' and 'por otro lado' are safe in almost any register, from a friendly debate to a work email. 'No obstante' can sound bookish or journalistic in everyday speech; save it for formal writing or a very polite discussion. In casual conversation, many speakers simply use 'pero' or 'aunque', so using these connectors can make you sound more thoughtful, but not necessarily more friendly.
One thing to watch for
Writing 'en cambio de' to mean 'instead of', as in 'En cambio de ir, me quedé.'
Try this instead: 'En cambio de' is not standard for 'instead of'. Use 'en vez de' or 'en lugar de': 'En vez de ir, me quedé.' Keep 'en cambio' alone to mean 'in contrast': 'En cambio, me quedé en casa.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Choose the more formal connector: 'sin embargo' or 'no obstante', in the sentence '____, los resultados no fueron concluyentes.'
Show a sample answer
No obstante
'No obstante' fits a formal, written register. 'Sin embargo' is also grammatically correct and very common, so it is a valid alternative in less formal contexts.
2Translate: 'On the other hand, the apartment is smaller.'
Show a sample answer
Por otro lado, el apartamento es más pequeño.
'Por otro lado' introduces a contrasting aspect. In some regions 'departamento' or 'piso' may be used instead of 'apartamento'.
3Fix the error: 'En cambio de estudiar, salió.'
Show a sample answer
En vez de estudiar, salió.
'En cambio de' is not standard for 'instead of'. Use 'en vez de' or 'en lugar de'. If you mean 'in contrast', say 'En cambio, salió.'
Use 'sin embargo' as your everyday 'however', 'no obstante' for formal writing, 'por otro lado' to add a second perspective, and 'en cambio' to contrast two specific things. Remember: never 'en cambio de' for 'instead of'.
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