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"Both" is a pronoun which is often translated as "ambos", and "either" is a conjunction which is often translated as "o". Learn more about the difference between "both" and "either" below.
both(
both
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. ambos (masculine)
My best friends are from Chile. Both live in Santiago.Mis mejores amigos son de Chile. Ambos viven en Santiago.
b. ambas (feminine)
How did your daughters do on the test? - Both got good grades.¿Cómo le fue a tus hijas en el examen? - Ambas sacaron buenas notas.
c. los dos (masculine)
Which dress should I buy? Both fit me really well.¿Cuál vestido debería comprar? Los dos me quedan muy bien.
d. las dos (feminine)
Which house are you going to buy? Both are in very good neighborhoods.¿Cuál de las casas vas a comprar? Las dos están en vecindarios muy buenos.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Both my sister and my friend live abroad.Tanto mi hermana como mi amiga viven en el extranjero.
I love both my mother and father.Quiero a mi madre y a mi padre por igual.
either(
ay
-
thuhr
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
b. ninguno de los dos (with a negated verb)
I don't think either team will win.No creo que gane ninguno de los dos equipos.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. cualquiera
I like both of those popsicle flavors, so I can eat either.Me gustan las paletas de ambos sabores, así que puedo comerme cualquiera.
b. ninguno (with a negated verb)
I don't like beef or chicken sandwiches. I don't want either.No me gustan los sándwiches ni de carne ni de pollo. No quiero ninguno.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
5. (as well)
a. tampoco (with a negated verb)
I don't like cockroaches either.No me gustan las cucarachas tampoco.
