y
/i/
The Spanish word for "and" is y. Wiktionary also lists e and et (disused).
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| y | /i/ |
| e | /e/ |
| et (disused) |
The conjunction is used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Which one should you use?
While y is the standard form, it changes to e when the word that follows begins with the sound /i/, which is typically seen in words starting with the letters 'i' or 'hi'. This change is made to avoid phonetic clashing, such as in the phrase padre e hijo (father and son).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use e instead of y when the following word starts with the vowel 'i' or 'hi'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form y changes to e before words starting with the sound /i/ (usually words starting with 'i' or 'hi').
How do you pronounce it?
/i/
Did you know?
- The word y is actually a descendant of the Latin word et, which is the same root for the English phrase 'et cetera'.
- While y is a conjunction, when it is used as a noun to refer to the letter itself, it is treated as a feminine noun in Spanish grammar.
- Spanish speakers often start a sentence with y to signal that they are adding a thought or keeping a conversation flowing, acting as a conversational bridge.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This example shows how to use y when asking about someone's status.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- ¿Y por qué no?And why not?This example demonstrates the use of y in a question about reason.Tatoeba #1039350 by Shishir, translation #1039433 by GPHemsley
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This example illustrates the use of y to connect two components of a statement.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Maria y Luisa son hermanas.Maria and Luisa are sisters.
- Me gustan el café y el té.I like coffee and tea.
- Limones e higos.Lemons and figs.
- 12481 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are at a grocery store.
- Sofía¿Qué necesitas comprar, Daniel?What do you need to buy, Daniel?
- DanielNecesito café y azúcar.I need coffee and sugar.
- SofíaYo quiero fruta y té.I want fruit and tea.
- DanielPerfecto, vamos a la caja.Perfect, let's go to the checkout.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries y, e, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries e, et, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
