Using Conjunctions: 'и', 'а', 'или'
Conjunctions are like connecting words that join words, phrases, or clauses. Three essential ones are:
- и: Simply means "and," connecting similar things. (e.g., Азъ и тꙑ - I and you. Чи́тамъ и пишѫ́ - 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., Онъ ѥстъ оучи́тель, а она́ ѥстъ оучени́ца - He is a teacher, but she is a student. Азъ идѫ́, а тꙑ оста́ѥши сѧ - I am going, and you are staying.)
- или: Means "or," offering an alternative. (e.g., Ка́ва или ча́и? - Coffee or tea? Придѣ́те или оста́нете сѧ дома́? - Will you come or stay at home?)