📝 In Action
Necesitas 9 ó 10 días para terminar el proyecto.
A2You need 9 or 10 days to finish the project. (Note: Modern spelling is '9 o 10'.)
Voy a comprar 1 ó 2 libros.
A1I am going to buy 1 or 2 books. (Note: Modern spelling is '1 o 2'.)
💡 Grammar Points
Historical Use
The accent mark on 'ó' was historically placed only when the word 'o' (meaning 'or') appeared between two numbers (like 5 ó 6). This prevented confusion with the number zero (0).
Modern Rule
The accent mark is now considered unnecessary and incorrect by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE). You should always write the conjunction as 'o' without the accent, regardless of what follows it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Accent
Mistake: "Escribir 'café ó té'."
Correction: The accent was never used between words, only numbers. The correct modern spelling is 'café o té'.
Confusing 'o' and 'u'
Mistake: "Using 'o' when the next word starts with 'o' or 'ho' (e.g., 'siete o ocho')."
Correction: If the word immediately following 'o' begins with 'o' or 'ho', the conjunction changes to 'u' to make the sentence sound better (e.g., 'siete u ocho').
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Use 'o'
For all modern writing, regardless of whether you are listing words or numbers, use the conjunction 'o' without any accent mark.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ó
Question 1 of 1
In modern Spanish, why is the accent mark on 'ó' considered incorrect?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I see 'ó' in an old book, what does it mean?
It means 'or'. You will usually find it placed between two numbers, like 'Páginas 2 ó 3'. It is just an older way of spelling the conjunction 'o'.
Is there any time I still need to use the accent on 'o'?
No. According to the current rules of the Spanish language, the conjunction 'o' never carries a written accent mark.