Conjunctions (y, o, pero)

Connecting Ideas

To connect words, phrases, or full sentences, we use conjunctions. The three most common ones in Spanish are exactly like their English equivalents: y (and), o (or), and pero (but).

y (and)

Use y to add information or link similar ideas. It can connect single words or entire sentences.

For lunch, I eat chicken and rice.
Para el almuerzo, yo como pollo y arroz.
The boy reads a book and the girl eats cake.
El niño lee un libro y la niña come pastel.

o (or)

Use o when you want to offer a choice or an alternative.

Do you eat meat or fish?
¿Tú comes carne o pescado?
Do you guys eat cake for lunch or for dinner?
¿Ustedes comen pastel para el almuerzo o para la cena?

pero (but)

Use pero to express a contrast or exception. Just like in English, you will usually put a comma right before pero when connecting two full thoughts.

They buy the chicken, but not the fish.
Ellos compran el pollo, pero no el pescado.
I buy expensive meat, but you buy cheap rice.
Yo compro carne cara, pero tú compras arroz barato.