e
“e” means “and” in Spanish (Used instead of 'y' before words starting with 'i-' or 'hi-').
and
📝 In Action
Necesito aguja e hilo para coser.
A2I need a needle and thread to sew.
Es un hombre sabio e inteligente.
A2He is a wise and intelligent man.
Madre e hija fueron de compras.
B1Mother and daughter went shopping.
Se prohíbe la entrada a menores e infantes no acompañados.
B2Entry is prohibited for minors and unaccompanied infants.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: e
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is correct?
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📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'ET', which also meant 'and'. Spanish developed two forms: 'y' for general use, and 'e' to avoid the awkward sound of two 'ee' sounds together, a practice inherited from Latin itself.
First recorded: Ancient, derived from Latin.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Spanish have two words for 'and' ('y' and 'e')?
It's all about making the language sound better and flow more smoothly. Saying 'y iglesia' sounds repetitive ('ee ee-glesia'). Changing 'y' to 'e' ('e iglesia') breaks up the repeated sound and makes it easier to say and understand.
Does this rule apply if the 'h' is silent?
Yes, absolutely. The rule is based on sound, not spelling. Since the 'h' in Spanish is silent, a word like 'hijo' (son) sounds like it starts with 'i', so you say 'padre e hijo', not 'padre y hijo'.
Are there any exceptions to the 'y' to 'e' rule?
Yes, a few. The main one is when the word starting with 'i' is part of a diphthong (when two vowels make one sound), like in 'hielo' (ice), which sounds like 'yeh-lo'. In that case, you stick with 'y': 'nieve y hielo'. Also, when 'y' is used as a question at the beginning of a sentence, it doesn't change, like '¿Y Inés?' (And Inés?).