Coordinating Conjunctions

Kurz erklärt

Coordinating conjunctions connect words or two equally important ideas. Use y (and) to add information, o (or) to present a choice, pero (but) to show a contrast, and ni (nor/not even) in negative statements. These short connectors make simple sentences more natural without changing the verb forms.

Bildung

word or clause + y/e, o/u, pero, or ni + word or clause

Verwendung

• Use y for addition; change it to e before a word beginning with an i sound: madre e hija.
• Use o for alternatives; change it to u before a word beginning with an o sound: siete u ocho.
• Use pero to contrast two ideas.
• Use ni after a negative to add another negative item: No como carne ni pescado.

Beispiele

• Trabajo y estudio. — I work and study.
• ¿Quieres café o té? — Do you want coffee or tea?
• El apartamento es pequeño, pero cómodo. — The apartment is small but comfortable.
• No tengo hermanos ni hermanas. — I don’t have any brothers or sisters.

Typischer Fehler

❌ Ana y Isabel son amigas.

✅ Ana e Isabel son amigas.

Use e instead of y before a word that begins with an i sound, including names such as Isabel.

Merke

Use e before an i sound and u before an o sound. The meaning stays the same.