y
/i/
The English word 'and' is translated into Spanish as 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 word is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Which one should you use?
While y is the most common and versatile form, you must use e when the word immediately following it begins with the sound of the letter 'i' or the combination 'hi'. This change is made to avoid the repetitive sound of two 'i' sounds occurring in a row, such as in the phrase padre e hijo. The form et is a disused version of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use e instead of y before words starting with the letters 'i' or 'hi' to maintain smooth pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
/i/
Did you know?
- The common Spanish expression y punto literally means 'and period' or 'and dot', and it is used to end a discussion decisively, similar to the English phrase 'period'.
- The word y is inherited from the Latin word et, which is the same root that gave English the word 'et cetera', meaning 'and the rest'.
- Because y is such a short word, it is often 'swallowed' or elided in rapid, casual speech, making it difficult for learners to hear the connection between two words.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This sentence shows how to use y to start a question about someone's well-being.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- ¿Y por qué no?And why not?This sentence demonstrates using y to ask 'why not'.Tatoeba #1039350 by Shishir, translation #1039433 by GPHemsley
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence illustrates using y to connect two parts of a statement.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- El informe es completo y contiene, además, información adicional muy relevante.The report is comprehensive and also contains very relevant additional information.
- La ciencia y la tecnología son dos campos importantes. También están interrelacionados.Science and technology are two important fields, they are also interconnected.
- – ¿Quieres ir al cine y luego cenar?– Do you want to go to the movies and then have dinner?
- Me gustaría tener un perro e incluso un gato.I would like to have a dog and even a cat.
- Me gusta tocar la guitarra además de cantar.I like to play the guitar as well as sing.
- 12481 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a grocery store.
- María¿Quieres café y té?Do you want coffee and tea?
- AlejandroNo, quiero jugo y agua.No, I want juice and water.
- MaríaEstá bien, Alejandro.That's fine, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, María.Thanks, María.
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.
