y
/ʝ/
The Spanish phrase y means 'and'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While y is the standard form for 'and', it changes to e when the following word begins with the sound /i/, specifically when the next word starts with 'i-' or 'hi-'.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA pronunciation is /ʝ/.
Did you know?
- The letter y is often called i griega in Spanish, which literally translates to 'Greek i'.
- The change from y to e does not occur if the next word starts with a diphthong, such as y hielo or y hierro, despite the starting sound.
- While y is a conjunction, it can act as a noun when referring to the letter itself, and in this context, it is treated as a feminine noun.
Examples in context
- Los hombres tienen un cromosoma X y un Y, las mujeres tienen dos X.Men have an X and Y chromosome, women, two Xs.This sentence shows how y is used to connect noun phrases like chromosomes.Tatoeba #1687229 by marcelostockle, translation #1686184 by darinmex
- El alfabeto del alto sorabo contiene treinta y cuatro letras: a, b, c, č, ć, d, dź, e, ě, f, g, h, ch, i, j, k, ł, l, m, n, ń, o, ó, p, r, ř, s, š, t, u, w, y, z, ž.The Upper Sorbian alphabet consists of 34 letters: a, b, c, č, ć, d, dź, e, ě, f, g, h, ch, i, j, k, ł, l, m, n, ń, o, ó, p, r, ř, s, š, t, u, w, y, z, ž.This sentence illustrates how y is used within a list of alphabet letters.Tatoeba #10078882 by manufrutos, translation #9832088 by Dominika7
- Si A es el éxito en la vida, entonces A = X + Y + Z. Donde X es trabajo, Y es placer y Z es mantener la boca cerrada.If A is success in life, then A = X + Y + Z. Where X is work, Y is pleasure, and Z is keeping your mouth shut.This sentence demonstrates using y to connect different variables in a mathematical or philosophical equation.Tatoeba #6050789 by Adelpa, translation #9947580 by DJ_Saidez
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are shopping for groceries.
- JavierNecesito pan y leche.I need bread and milk.
- Lucía¿Quieres fruta y café también?Do you want fruit and coffee too?
- JavierSí, y también huevos.Yes, and eggs too.
- LucíaPerfecto, vamos a la caja.Perfect, let's go to the checkout.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry y, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
