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a no ser que

 

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings.


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  #1  
Old July 31, 2008, 09:39 PM
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a no ser que

a no ser que : I think it means even if, but it might mean unless. Can someone clarify this? Thanks.
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  #2  
Old July 31, 2008, 11:30 PM
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A no ser que means unless.
Haz esto por mí, a no ser que ya te tengas que ir.
Do this for me, unless you already have to go.
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Old August 01, 2008, 12:40 AM
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That is. I don't think it's complex to use it, as you can always say a no ser que in the same contexts that in English you would say unless.
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Old August 01, 2008, 08:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfonso View Post
That is.
Eso es. = That's it.
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Old August 02, 2008, 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Tomisimo View Post
Eso es. = That's it.
Thanks a lot, David. I was doubtful about it, but couldn't remember this small phrase!
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Old August 02, 2008, 08:17 AM
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Yo que sé! is an expression I hear always, I suppose it means; what do i know? but I´m not sure.
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Old August 02, 2008, 08:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jane View Post
¡Yo qué sé! is an expression I hear always, I suppose it means; what do i know? but I´m not sure.
You are right!
It's also very common: ¡Y yo qué sé!
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Old August 03, 2008, 04:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jane View Post
Yo que sé! is an expression I hear always, I suppose it means; what do i know? but I´m not sure.
It implies a certain level of familiarity, so I wouldn't use it in a formal context, Jane.
In my mind it belongs to the sort of expressions my teenage daughter uses all day long:
- whatever!
- as if I cared
- Duh!
When you say ¡Yo que sé! you are implying you want to be left alone.
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Old August 03, 2008, 06:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemma View Post
It implies a certain level of familiarity, so I wouldn't use it in a formal context, Jane.
In my mind it belongs to the sort of expressions my teenage daughter uses all day long:
- whatever!
- as if I cared
- Duh!
When you say ¡Yo que sé! you are implying you want to be left alone.
Hmmm...

Point taken.
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Old August 04, 2008, 02:00 AM
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What about what do I know? Does it imply the same as yo qué sé?
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