What is difference between "y" and "e" ?
Both words seem to mean "and", so when is it appropriate to use them please?
1 Answer
Similar to how English uses "an" in place of "a" before a vowel sound, Spanish uses "e" in place of "y" before an "i" sound, and "u" in place of "o" in front of an "o" sound. just as in English it is based on the sound and not the spelling (think an umbrella, a university, an herb).
http://spanish.about.com/cs/grammar/qt/y_o.htm
By Gerald Erichsen
Updated May 31, 2016.
Two of the most commonconjunctions in Spanish — y(meaning "and") and o(meaning "or") — can change spelling and pronunciation based on the word that follows. In that way, they are much like the "a" of English changing to "an" before a vowel sound. 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-. Ydoes not change before words, such as hierba, that begin with the ia, ie, ioor iu sound, regardless of spelling.
Following are examples of correct usage:
• Reciben tratamiento cruel e inhumano. (They are receiving cruel and inhumane treatment.)
• Vendemos productos de limpieza e higiene. (We sell cleaning and hygiene products.)
• Está enteramente construido de nieve y hielo. (It is built completely of snow and ice.)
Note specifically in the above examples the y before hielo as "ie" forms a y sound (like we have with university). I did not bring over the u/o examples from the link, as that was not your question.
