Using Conjunctions: 'i', 'ili', 'a'
Conjunctions are like glue words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. Three essential ones are:
- i: Simply means "and," connecting similar things. (e.g., Ja i ty - I and you. Čitam i pišu - I read and write.)
- ili: Means "or," offering an alternative. (e.g., Kava ili čaj? - Coffee or tea? Pridete ili ostanete doma? - Will you come or stay home?)
- a: Means "but" when showing contrast, or can also mean "and" to connect related but slightly different ideas. (e.g., On jest učitelj, a ona jest studentka - He is a teacher, but she is a student. Ja idu, a ty ostaniješ - I am going, and you are staying.)