Using Conjunctions: 'і', 'а', 'цi', 'або'
Conjunctions are like connecting words that join words, phrases, or clauses. Some essential ones are:
- і/і́: Means "and," connecting similar things. Use і́ at the beginning of a sentence or after a vowel for emphasis, і after a consonant. (e.g., Я і ты - I and you. Чыта́ю і́ пішу́ - I read and write.)
- а: Primarily means "but" when showing a contrast, or can also mean "and" to connect related but slightly different ideas. (e.g., Ён настаўнік, а яна́ студэ́нтка - He is a teacher, but she is a student. Я іду́, а ты застае́шся - I am going, and you are staying.)
- цi: Means "or" when offering a choice or asking a question. (e.g., Ка́ва цi чай? - Coffee or tea? Ты ідзе́ш цi застае́шся?)
- або: Also means "or," generally when presenting distinct alternatives. (e.g., Прыйдзі́це сёння або за́ўтра - Come today or tomorrow.)