Y luego
/i lweɡo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "and then" is Y luego.
Y luego is used to introduce the next event in a sequence of actions.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of y, which means "and" and luego, which means "later" or "afterwards".
Which one should you use?
A common synonym is y después, which also means "and after/afterwards" and can be used to introduce sequential events. While y entonces can be translated as "and then" in English, in Spanish it often implies "and at that moment" or "and so", whereas y luego is more strictly used for sequential steps.
How do you pronounce it?
/i lweɡo/
Did you know?
- While luego means 'later' in a sequence, it is also used in the phrase luego luego in some parts of Mexico to mean 'immediately'.
- The word luego is a cognate of the English word 'lieu' as in 'in lieu of'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin word locō, meaning 'in the place of'.
- The word y is one of the few Spanish words that changes its form to e when the following word begins with an 'i' sound.
Examples in context
- Oí un grito y luego un choque.I heard a shout and then a crash.This sentence shows how to use Y luego to connect a shout and a crash.Tatoeba #1349354 by marcelostockle, translation #682020 by Source_VOA
- Primero progresar y luego casar.First thrive and then wive.This sentence demonstrates the sequential use of Y luego with two actions.Tatoeba #5624233 by albrusgher, translation #399253 by Scott
- Primero tronó y luego empezó a llover.First it thundered, and then it started to rain.This sentence illustrates using Y luego to show one weather event following another.Tatoeba #10471914 by Seael, translation #325162 by CM
- Terminé mi trabajo y luego fui a tomar un descanso.I finished my work, and then I took a break.
- La reunión finalizó y después nos dirigimos a almorzar.The meeting ended, and then we headed to lunch.
- Salí de casa, y luego me encontré con mis amigos en el parque.I left home, and then I met my friends at the park.
- Terminé de estudiar y después vi una película.I finished studying, and then I watched a movie.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria tells Daniel about her morning routine.
- MaríaTomo café y luego leo el periódico.I drink coffee and then I read the newspaper.
- Daniel¿Y después de leer?And after reading?
- MaríaMe ducho y luego voy al trabajo.I shower and then I go to work.
- DanielTienes una rutina muy organizada, María.You have a very organized routine, Maria.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luego, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
