Question 1

Literally, sin embargo translates to "without embargo." How does that mean "however"?

Accepted Answer

Literally, it does mean "without embargo" or "without hindrance." However, in everyday Spanish, it is a fixed phrase that functions exactly like "however" or "nevertheless" in English. It is a connector used to introduce a contrasting idea, and just like in English, it is usually followed by a comma.

Question 2

Can I just use pero (but) instead of sin embargo here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could combine the sentences and say: El plan es bueno, pero el resultado es inesperado. Using sin embargo is just a bit more formal and emphasizes the contrast a little more strongly, exactly like choosing "however" instead of "but" in English.

Question 3

How do you break down the word inesperado (unexpected)?

Accepted Answer

It comes from the verb esperar, which means "to wait," "to hope," or "to expect." If you take the adjective form esperado (expected) and add the negative prefix in-, you get inesperado (unexpected).

Question 4

Why do we use es instead of está for the result being unexpected?

Accepted Answer

We use es (from the verb ser) because we are describing a defining characteristic or the fundamental nature of this result. Even though an outcome might feel like a temporary condition at the end of a plan, being unexpected is the core factual description of what that result is, so ser is the right choice.

El plan es bueno. Sin embargo, el resultado es inesperado.

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