e (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation
Part of Speech
"e" is a conjunction in Spanish.
Phonetic Transcription
/e/
Translation Options into English
"and" (used before words beginning with 'i' or 'hi')
Meaning and Usage
The conjunction "e" is used in Spanish to connect words or phrases, specifically when the following word begins with a vowel sound, particularly 'i' or 'hi', primarily to avoid cacophony. It is a phonetic adaptation of the conjunction "y".
Frequency of Use: It is relatively common in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more often in written texts due to its grammatical specificity.
Example Sentences
Marta e Ignacio fueron al cine.
Marta and Ignacio went to the cinema.
Quiero una manzana e higos.
I want an apple and figs.
Idiomatic Expressions
While "e" itself is not frequently part of idiomatic expressions, it serves a crucial grammatical role in ensuring fluidity in speech, especially in conjunction with certain phrases. Below are various idiomatic expressions featuring "y" where the usage of "e" would apply.
Con "e" importante:
Estudiamos historia e informática este semestre.
We study history and computer science this semester.
Sin "e" bochornoso:
El ruido era tanto que se necesitaba un lugar e ir.
The noise was so much that a place to go was needed.
Etymology
The conjunction "e" originates from Latin "et," which also means "and." The transition to "e" in certain cases in Spanish serves the phonetic purpose of avoiding difficult pronunciations.
Synonyms
y (the most common conjunction for "and", used in most contexts)
Antonyms
No direct antonym, as "e" serves as a conjunction without a contrasting form. However, "o" (or) can be seen as a contrasting conjunction in terms of choice.