Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure. In Spanish, the most common coordinating conjunctions are y (and), o (or), and pero (but).

Y (and): Connects similar ideas.

Example: Juan y María (Juan and María)

O (or): Presents alternatives.

Example: ¿Café o té? (Coffee or tea?)

Pero (but): Introduces contrast.

Example: Quiero ir, pero estoy cansado (I want to go, but I am tired)

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship such as time, cause, or condition. In Spanish, common subordinating conjunctions include que (that), porque (because), cuando (when), and si (if).

Que (that): Introduces una cláusula dependiente.

Example: Creo que es verdad (I think that it’s true)

Porque (because): Indica razón.

Example: No voy porque llueve (I’m not going because it’s raining)

Cuando (when): Indica tiempo.

Example: Te llamaré cuando llegue (I will call you when I arrive)

Si (if): Expresa condición.

Example: Si llueve, no salgo (If it rains, I won’t go)