I know "and" is "y" or "e" in Spanish but I'm not sure what the rule is. When do you use "e"?

Question

I know "and" is "y" or "e" in Spanish but I'm not sure what the rule is. When do you use "e"?

Answer 1

Two of the most common conjunctions in Spanish — y (meaning "and") and o (meaning "or") — can change spelling and pronunciation based on the word that follows.

Both changes help keep the conjunction from blending into the following word. Y becomes e when it precedes a word that begins with the i sound, while o becomes u when it precedes a word that begins with the o sound. Typically, then, the y becomes e when it precedes most words that begin with i- or hi-, and o becomes u preceding words starting with o- or ho-. Y does not change before words, such as hierba, that begin with the y sound, regardless of spelling.

Guau, I never knew 'o' changed to 'u'. Thanks, now I won't be shocked when I encounter this event, lol. - sinsonte, May 16, 2012

Answer 2

It depends on the sound of the following word.

Marcos e Inez

Not Marcos y Inez This is awkward sounding with the double "i" sound.