When to use the conjunctions "Y" or "E" in Spanish
E
- Copulative conjunction. In English: "and".
- It is used in place of "y" when it precedes a word that begins with "i-" or "hi-".
- Important: the conjuction "e" should not be used before the diphthong "hie-", example: "cobre y hierro".
Example 1:
Mis mejores amigos son Alberto, José e Ignacio.
(My best friends are Alberto, José and Ignacio.)
Example 2:
Necesitamos ahora aguja e hilo.
(We now need a needle and thread.)
Y
- Copulative conjunction. In English: "and".
- It is used whenever the conditions for the conjunction "e" aren't met (read above).
Example 3:
Esa tienda vende productos argentinos y brasileños.
(This store sells Argentines and Brazilians products.)
Example 4:
Su padre es honesto y de buen corazón.
(His/Her father is honest and good-hearted.)
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