i, o, però

Basic Coordinators

Level 1

I adds, o offers a choice, and però introduces a contrast.

How It Works

Use i to join parallel items and o for alternatives. Catalan keeps these forms before similar vowel sounds: llapis i imants. O bé can make a choice more explicit.

Però introduces a contrast: vull venir, però no puc. A comma commonly separates contrasted clauses; short joined descriptions such as petit però fort need not have one. Sentence-final però can mark a conversational afterthought: és car, però.

After a negation that rejects one alternative in favor of another, use sinó: no és blau, sinó verd. Use sinó que before a new finite clause. Si no is two words when it means if not. Doncs makes an inference rather than giving a cause; perquè introduces a reason.

Examples (3)

  1. Necessito llapis i imants.

    I need pencils and magnets.

  2. Vols aigua o bé suc?

    Would you like water or juice?

  3. És petit però fort.

    It is small but strong.

How It Connects

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i, o, peròLevel 1Basic Coordinators

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