Learn about Spanish conjunctions 'y', 'e', 'o', 'u', 'pero', and 'si'. This A1-level lesson explains how these conjunctions connect words and clauses, show alternatives, contrast, or conditions. Understand pronunciation rules for using 'e' and 'u' instead of 'y' and 'o', with practical examples to help beginners speak naturally.
- Use y and o to join words.
- Use "pero" to join sentences.
- Use "si" in subordinate clauses.
| Conjunción (Conjunction) | Uso (use) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Y | conectar elementos similares (connect similar elements) | Huevos y pan (Eggs and bread) |
| E | Café e infusiones (Coffee e infusions) | |
| O | ofrecer alternativas u opciones (offer alternatives or options) | Agua o té (Water or tea) |
| U | Pan u otra cosa (Bread or something else) | |
| Pero | mostrar contraste o excepción (show contrast or exception) | El queso sí pero la leche no (Cheese yes but milk no) |
| Si | introducir una condición (introduce a condition) | Si tienes sal podemos cocinar. (If you have salt, we can cook.) |
Exceptions!
- Use "e" instead of "y" before words that begin with "i-" or "hi-". For example: "e infusiones".
- Use "u" instead of "o" with words that begin with "o-" or "ho-". For example: "u otra cosa".
Exercise 1: Las conjunciones: "Y, e, o, ..."
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
o, y, u, porque, pero, Si, e
1.
No es bueno comer ... ir a dormir directamente.
(It is not good to eat and go to sleep immediately.)
2.
... compras pan, compra queso también, por favor.
(If you buy bread, buy cheese too, please.)
3.
¿Prefieres manzanas ... naranjas?
(Do you prefer apples or oranges?)
4.
Prefiero la tostada sin sal ... es más saludable.
(I prefer toast without salt because it is healthier.)
5.
¿Quieres café ... agua?
(Do you want coffee or water?)
6.
Ella bebe café ... come pan.
(She drinks coffee and eats bread.)
7.
Puedes beber té ... otra bebida.
(You can drink tea or another drink.)
8.
Me gusta la leche en el café ... no en el té.
(I like milk in coffee but not in tea.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Para el desayuno tomé café ___ tostadas.
(For breakfast I had coffee ___ toast.)2. Quiero arroz ___ infusiones para la merienda.
(I want rice ___ infusions for the snack.)3. ¿Prefieres agua ___ té para beber?
(Do you prefer water ___ tea to drink?)4. ¿Quieres pan ___ otra cosa con la sopa?
(Do you want bread ___ something else with the soup?)5. Me gusta el queso ___ no la leche.
(I like cheese ___ not milk.)6. ___ tienes sal, podemos cocinar juntos.
(___ you have salt, we can cook together.)