Spanish Conjunctions

Spanish Conjunctions

y

and

e

and

1. When the word following the conjunction begins with an “ee” sound and that sound is not part of a diphthong

ni

neither/nor

o

either/or (primarily or)

u

either/or (primarily or)

1. Used when the word following the conjunction begins with an “oh” sound

esto es

that is

1. Somewhat formal, always between commas

2. Clarifying

es decir

that is to say

1. Always between commas

aunque

although/though/even though

pero

but/yet

mas

but/yet

1. Very formal counterpart to pero

2. Notice the lack of an accent

sino

but

1. Primarily used when the previous part of the sentence is negative

no obstante

however/nevertheless

1. Fairly formal. Used after a period and before a comma

sin embargo

however/nevertheless/though

1. Less formal. Used after a period or semicolon and before a period

entonces

then/so

sea…sea

either…or

para que

so that/so/in order to/in order for

1. Least formal, most common

a fin de que

so that/so/in order to/in order for

1. More formal

con el fin de que

so that/so/in order to/in order for

1. More formal (another variety)

con el objecto de que

so that/so/in order to/in order for

1. Most formal

por

for/because of/due to

porque

because

1. Mainly used to answer its corresponding interrogative

ya que/puesta que/en vista de que

since/because

1. All of these are interchangeable and somewhat formal

pues

since/because/for/then/well

1. Used to express cause, motive, or reason

como

because/since/as/if

que

because/or else

1. Informal. Implies a warning or hidden advice