A2 Spanish GrammarConjunctions
Learn Spanish coordinating and subordinating conjunctions (conjunciones). Master y/e, o/u, pero, sino, porque, aunque, cuando, and more to connect ideas fluently.
1Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words or clauses of equal importance. Y (and) changes to e before words starting with i- or hi-. O (or) changes to u before o- or ho-.
Basic Coordinating Conjunctions
| Spanish | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| y / e | and | y → e before i-, hi- |
| o / u | or | o → u before o-, ho- |
| pero | but | general contrast |
| sino | but rather | after negative |
| ni...ni | neither...nor | double negative |
Examples
Estudio español e inglés.
I study Spanish and English.
e before i-
¿Quieres agua u otra bebida?
Do you want water or another drink?
u before o-
Es difÃcil, pero interesante.
It's difficult, but interesting.
pero for contrast
Ni come ni bebe.
He neither eats nor drinks.
ni...ni construction
2Pero vs Sino
Both mean 'but' but are used differently. Use pero for general contrast. Use sino after a negative statement to mean 'but rather' or 'but instead'. Sino que is used before a conjugated verb.
Pero vs Sino
| Conjunction | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| pero | affirmative/negative + contrast | Es caro pero bueno |
| sino | negative + but rather (noun/adj) | No es rojo sino azul |
| sino que | negative + but rather (verb) | No canta sino que baila |
Examples
No es profesora, pero trabaja en una escuela.
She's not a teacher, but she works at a school.
pero - general contrast
No es profesora sino estudiante.
She's not a teacher but rather a student.
sino - but rather
No solo habla sino que también escribe bien.
She not only speaks but also writes well.
sino que before verb
Tiene hambre pero no quiere comer.
He's hungry but doesn't want to eat.
pero after affirmative
3Causal and Purpose Conjunctions
These conjunctions express reasons and purposes. Porque (because) explains why. Para que (so that) expresses purpose and requires subjunctive. Como (since/as) introduces known reasons at sentence start.
Cause and Purpose
| Spanish | English | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| porque | because | indicative |
| como | since, as | indicative |
| ya que | since, given that | indicative |
| para que | so that | subjunctive |
| a fin de que | in order that | subjunctive |
Examples
Estudio porque quiero aprender.
I study because I want to learn.
porque + indicative
Como hace frÃo, me pongo el abrigo.
Since it's cold, I put on my coat.
como at start
Ya que estás aquÃ, ayúdame.
Since you're here, help me.
ya que = since
Hablo despacio para que entiendas.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
para que + subjunctive
4Concessive and Conditional
Aunque (although) can take indicative (factual) or subjunctive (hypothetical). Si (if) introduces conditions. Mientras (while) can mean 'while' or 'as long as'.
Concessive and Conditional
| Spanish | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| aunque | although, even though | ind. or subj. |
| a pesar de que | despite the fact that | ind. or subj. |
| si | if | conditional clauses |
| mientras | while, as long as | temporal/conditional |
| siempre que | whenever, provided that | temporal/conditional |
Examples
Aunque llueve, voy a salir.
Although it's raining, I'm going out.
aunque + indicative (fact)
Aunque llueva, voy a salir.
Even if it rains, I'm going out.
aunque + subjunctive (hypothetical)
Si tienes tiempo, llámame.
If you have time, call me.
si + present
Mientras estudias, yo cocino.
While you study, I cook.
mientras = while