"Si no" is a phrase that functions in various contexts, depending on its usage. Typically, it can serve a conditional role, functioning similarly to an adverbial clause.
/si no/
"Si no" is primarily used to express a conditional scenario, which involves a situation that depends on whether something does not happen. It is commonly used in both oral and written Spanish, but it is slightly more prevalent in written contexts where conditional statements are more formal.
The phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation, making it common in both informal and formal contexts.
If you don't study, you won’t pass the exam.
Si no tienes tiempo, puedo hacerlo yo.
If you don’t have time, I can do it.
Si no comes bien, te sentirás cansado.
"Si no" is not commonly found in standalone idiomatic expressions; however, it plays an essential role in conditional sentences and phrases. Below are examples illustrating the use of "si no" in different conditional contexts.
If you don’t want to be seen, it’s better not to go out.
Si no te gusta la película, podemos ver otra.
If you don’t like the movie, we can watch another one.
Si no llega pronto, empezaremos sin él.
If he doesn’t arrive soon, we will start without him.
Si no me llamas, no sabré cómo estás.
If you don’t call me, I won’t know how you are.
Si no revisas tus notas, es posible que olvides la información.
If you don’t review your notes, you might forget the information.
Si no lo haces, no sabrás si te gusta.
The phrase "si no" derives from the Spanish words "si," which means "if," and "no," meaning "not." The combination emphasizes a conditional negation, which is intrinsic to the meaning conveyed in different contexts.