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) |
y is the most common and universal way to say "and" in Spanish, used to connect similar words or phrases.
Which one should you use?
While y is the standard form, it changes to e when it precedes a word starting with the sound /i/ (specifically words starting with i or hi where the h is silent) to avoid the hiatus of two identical vowel sounds.
How does it change in a sentence?
The conjunction y may change to e when it precedes a word starting with the letter i or hi. Additionally, the variation u is used instead of y before words beginning with o or ho.
How do you pronounce it?
/i/
Did you know?
- The disused form et still appears in Spanish-speaking legal or highly archaic contexts, serving as a fossilized remnant of Latin rather than a living part of daily speech.
- In some traditional Spanish markets and shops, the phrase y tal is used as a filler similar to 'and so on' or 'and such'.
- When using y to start a sentence in informal speech, it often signals that the speaker is adding a clarifying afterthought rather than a new point.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This sentence shows how to use y to ask about someone else.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- ¿Y por qué no?And why not?This sentence uses y to ask for a reason.Tatoeba #1039350 by Shishir, translation #1039433 by GPHemsley
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence uses y to connect two parts of a phrase.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Por favor asiste a la reunión y entrega el informe final.Please attend the meeting and submit the final report.
- Quiero una camisa, un pantalón y unos zapatos nuevos.I want a shirt, pants and some new shoes.
- Estudia mucho y obtendrás buenas notas.Study a lot and you'll get good grades.
- Trabaja rápidamente y con eficiencia.Work quickly and efficiently.
- Padre e hijoFather and son
- España e ItaliaSpain and Italy
- 12481 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a cafe.
- AlejandroQuiero café y pan.I want coffee and bread.
- LucíaYo quiero jugo y fruta.I want juice and fruit.
- AlejandroEl pan es rico y fresco.The bread is tasty and fresh.
- LucíaSí, y el jugo es frío.Yes, and the juice is cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries y, e, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
