Coordinating conjunctions in Spanish connect parts of a sentence without making one part depend on another. They allow you to combine ideas, present choices, or show contrasts clearly.
y — and
Joins similar ideas (words, phrases, clauses).
Used in most situations.
Always placed before the following word.
Spanish Example
Carlos y Ana vienen.
English Example
Carlos and Ana are coming.
(1 of 2)
e — and (before i- or hi-)
Replaces y when the next word begins with the sound i- or hi-.
Avoids awkward repetition of the “y” sound.
Applies only if the “i” is pronounced (not silent).
Spanish Example
Padre e hijo.
English Example
Father and son.
(1 of 2)
o — or
Presents options or alternatives.
Used in most situations.
Always placed before the option.
Spanish Example
¿Quieres té o café?
English Example
Do you want tea or coffee?
(1 of 2)
u — or (before o- or ho-)
Replaces o when the next word begins with the sound o- or ho-.
Avoids awkward repetition of the “o” sound.
Spanish Example
Dos u ocho es la respuesta.
English Example
Two or eight is the answer.
(1 of 2)
pero — but
Introduces a contrast or exception.
Does not cancel the first idea, just adds nuance.
Spanish Example
Quiero ir, pero estoy cansado.
English Example
I want to go, but I am tired.
(1 of 2)
sino — but rather
Corrects or contradicts a negative statement.
Often used after no....
Means “but rather” or “instead.”
Spanish Example
No estudio alemán, sino francés.
English Example
I don’t study German, but rather French.
(1 of 2)
ni — neither... nor
Joins two or more negative elements.
Used to say none of the options apply.
Spanish Example
No quiero té ni café.
English Example
I want neither tea nor coffee.
(1 of 2)
que — and / than (literary/stylistic)
Used in formal, literary, or archaic contexts.
Can mean and or than depending on usage.
Rare in everyday conversation.
Use Spanish coordinating conjunctions in Spanish to join ideas, show contrasts, and make your sentences flow smoothly.
