Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Without in Spanish
Sin · preposition · seen
"Sin" is the Spanish preposition meaning "without." It is used before nouns, pronouns, and infinitives to express the absence of something.
"Sin" is pronounced like the English word "seen" but slightly shorter. The vowel is a crisp Spanish i.
Salió de casa sin las llaves.
He left the house without the keys.
Without in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for without, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| sin | without | seen | Default, widely understood |
| sin que | without | followed by subjunctive clause |
How Native Speakers Use Sin
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Daily conversation
Prefiero el café sin azúcar.
I prefer coffee without sugar.
A straightforward use of "sin" before a noun.
Fixed expression
Sin embargo, decidimos continuar con el proyecto.
However, we decided to continue with the project.
"Sin embargo" is a very common connector meaning however or nevertheless.
Before infinitive
Se fue sin decir adiós.
She left without saying goodbye.
When "sin" precedes a verb, that verb stays in the infinitive form.
Emphatic doubt
Sin duda, este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.
Without a doubt, this is the best restaurant in the city.
"Sin duda" is a fixed phrase used to express certainty.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Sin
False cognate with English sin
Incorrect: He committed a terrible sin → Él cometió un terrible sin.
Correct: Él cometió un terrible pecado.
The Spanish word "sin" means "without," not the English concept of sin. The Spanish word for a moral transgression is "pecado."
Using indicative after sin que
Incorrect: Salió sin que yo lo sé.
Correct: Salió sin que yo lo supiera.
The construction "sin que" always triggers the subjunctive mood. Use the past subjunctive here because the main verb is in the past.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Sin used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using sin in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Salió de casa sin las llaves. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Without in Spanish
- Is sin the only way to say without in Spanish?
- Yes, "sin" is the standard and only preposition for "without" in Spanish. There are no regional alternatives; it is universal across all Spanish-speaking countries.
- What does sin embargo mean?
- "Sin embargo" literally translates to "without hindrance" but it functions as a discourse connector meaning "however" or "nevertheless." It is extremely common in both spoken and written Spanish.
- Can sin be used before a verb?
- Yes, but the verb must be in the infinitive form. For example, "sin comer" means "without eating." If you need a subject change, use "sin que" followed by the subjunctive.