Y → E and O → U

Use e instead of y and u instead of o before certain sounds.

A1 · Grammar

  • conjunctions
  • pronunciation

Y → E and O → U

The conjunctions y (and) and o (or) sometimes change form so that they are easier to pronounce. These changes depend on the sound at the beginning of the next word, not simply its spelling.

Y → E

Use e instead of y before an i sound:

  • español e inglés
  • padres e hijos

This also applies when a silent h comes before the i sound, as in hijos.

Keep y when the next word begins with a different sound. For example, hielo begins with a sound like y, so we say agua y hielo.

O → U

Use u instead of o before an o sound:

  • siete u ocho
  • mujeres u hombres

A silent h does not prevent the change: hombres begins with an o sound.

These are small pronunciation changes to the basic conjunctions y and o. The meaning stays the same.