Spanish Conjunctions
Spanish conjunctions (conjunciones) are connecting words that link clauses, sentences, or words together. They create relationships between ideas, showing addition (y), contrast (pero), cause (porque), or other logical connections. Mastering conjunctions is essential for creating complex, flowing sentences.
Key Characteristics
Coordination vs Subordination
Coordinating conjunctions (y, o, pero) connect equal elements. Subordinating conjunctions (porque, cuando, si) connect dependent clauses to main clauses.
Y Changes to E
The conjunction "y" (and) changes to "e" before words starting with "i" or "hi" for easier pronunciation.
O Changes to U
Similarly, "o" (or) changes to "u" before words starting with "o" or "ho".
Trigger Subjunctive
Some subordinating conjunctions require the subjunctive mood in the clause they introduce.
Visual Examples
Explore these conjunctions with images and audio pronunciation from our visual dictionary.
Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Connect equal elements
Causal Conjunctions
Express cause or reason
Temporal Conjunctions
Express time relationships
Conditional Conjunctions
Express conditions
Formation Rules
Y → E before words beginning with i- or hi-
O → U before words beginning with o- or ho-
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using "y" before i- words
✓ Change "y" to "e" before i- or hi- sounds for smoother pronunciation.
✗ España y Italia | ✓ España e Italia (Spain and Italy)
❌ Confusing "pero" and "sino"
✓ "Pero" contradicts. "Sino" corrects a negative statement with a positive alternative.
No es doctor, sino profesor (He's not a doctor, but rather a professor)
❌ Forgetting subjunctive after certain conjunctions
✓ Conjunctions like "antes de que," "para que," "sin que" trigger the subjunctive.
Llámame antes de que salgas (Call me before you leave) - subjunctive "salgas"
How Spanish Conjunctions Differ from English
Sound Changes
English "and" and "or" never change. Spanish "y" and "o" change to "e" and "u" for pronunciation.
Pero vs Sino
English uses "but" for both. Spanish distinguishes between simple contrast (pero) and replacement (sino).
Pro Tips for Using Conjunctions
💡 Use "sino" only after a negative
Example: No quiero café, sino té (I don't want coffee, but rather tea) - must have "no" first
💡 Many conjunctions require specific verb moods
Example: Learn which conjunctions trigger indicative vs subjunctive
Browse All 18 Spanish Conjunctions
Explore our complete collection of Spanish conjunctions, organized by CEFR proficiency level. Click any word to see detailed definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation guides.