logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
June 11, 2021 by Olga Put Spanish Grammar 0 comments

The Essential Guide to Spanish Linking Words

What are Spanish linking words? 

Well, they simply make you sound better, both in speech and in writing. 

Your sentences flow naturally, and your ideas logically build on each other. 

Sparkle your essay with a couple of good linking words in Spanish and you’ll surely get an A.

Let’s take a closer look at Spanish linking words, different types that exist, and how to use them in a sentence. 

Spanish Linking Words

Spanish linking words, also called connective words, are words and phrases you use to connect ideas in a piece of writing. We connect phrases and clauses within a sentence and sentences and paragraphs when writing, for example, an essay.

Two types of linking words exist:

  • Conjunctions
  • Transition words

Conjunctions connect ideas within clauses and sentences, meanwhile transition words connect sentences and paragraphs. 

Keep reading as we cover the following details about Spanish connecting words:

  • how and when to use them
  • rules of linking in Spanish
  • list of useful linking words in Spanish, organized by function
Spanish linking words

Conjunctions

Conjunctions connect words, clauses, phrases, and sentences. These Spanish linking words can be single words or two or more words that form conjunctive expressions. In Spanish, there are two main conjunction groups: 

  1. Coordinating conjunctions
  2. Subordinating conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences of equal value. You can separate them, and they can exist individually.

Coordinating conjunctions have one of the following functions:

  • express addition: y (and)
  • give an alternative: o (or)
  • express contrast: pero (but)

You can find a full list of coordinating conjunctions at the end of this post (with translation!), but let’s have a look at some sample sentences with coordinating conjunctions.

Me encanta tu personalidad y tu sonrisa.
I love your personality and your smile.

Puedes leer el libro o ver la tele.
You can read a book or watch TV.

La busqué pero no la encontré.
I looked for it but could not find it.

Spanish linking words

To learn more about coordinating conjunctions, check out the following articles. You can also complete a quiz and try some Spanish connectors exercises!

  • 9 Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish Essential to Know
  • The Ultimate Guide to Using ‘And’ in Spanish 
  • What’s the Difference Between Pero and Sino?

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are a type of Spanish linking words that introduce subordinate clauses. These clauses cannot exist by themselves, and they depend on the main clause. The tricky part about subordinating clauses is whether to use the indicative or subjunctive mood, which is determined by the linking word you use.

There are 9 types of subordinating conjunctions. As I mentioned before, there’s a full list of them at the end of this post with information about what mood should be used, but let’s have a quick look at some of the Spanish linking words in each of these groups.

1. Causal Conjunctions

These connective words introduce a clause with a reason or cause of the action in the main clause. They translate to “because,” “since,” or “as.” For example, como:

Como a Pedro no le gusta caminar, siempre viaja en carro.
Since Pedro doesn’t like walking, he always travels by car.

2. Conjunctions of Comparison

These Spanish linking words compare information in two clauses. For example, como si (as if):

Hace flexiones como si fuera un gran atleta.
He does push-ups as if he was a great athlete.

3. Relative Conjunctions

Relative conjunctions, such as si or que translate to “if” or “that” in English.

No sé si lo puedo terminar a tiempo.
I don’t know if I can finish it on time.

4. Conjunctions of Concession

These Spanish linking words introduce information that contradicts the main clause. For example, aun cuando (although, even though).

Él trabaja mucho aun cuando está de vacaciones.
He works a lot, even when he’s on vacation.

5. Conjunctions of Result

Do you want to introduce the effect or consequences of the action in the main clause? Conjunctions of result are for these. For example, de modo que (that):

Hay que hacerlo de modo que sea seguro para todos.
It must be done in a way that is safe for everyone.

6. Conjunctions of Condition

Si (if), siempre y cuando (as long as) are examples of linking words used in conditional sentences.

Lo haré, siempre y cuando me devuelva el dinero.
I will, as long as I get my money back.

7. Conjunctions of Purpose

If you want to talk about intentions or goals of the verbs from the main clause, use linking words such as para que (so that)

Te lo dije para que lo hicieras tú sola.
I told you so that you do it yourself.

8. Illative Conjunctions

Illative conjunctions introduce something that can be inferred from the main clause. In English, it’s “therefore” for example, and in Spanish luego.

Pienso, luego existo.
I think, therefore I exist.

9. Conjunctions of Time

These conjunctions determine the time period of the action in the main clause. For example mientras (while):

Mientras corres, puedes escuchar música.
While you’re running, you can listen to music.

Spanish linking words

To learn more about subordinating conjunctions, check out:

  • 9 Types of Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish That Will Supercharge Your Fluency
  • The Ultimate Guide to ‘Even Though’ in Spanish

Transition Words

Transition words connect ideas between sentences and they give a natural flow to your speech or writing. These are so-called “Spanish essay linking words” because they help to transition your ideas in a smooth way in any text.

Transition words are sometimes the same conjunctions you use to link ideas within a sentence but you have a sea of other possibilities. Depending on your purpose, you can use transition words from one of the eight groups: 

  1. Time
  2. Place
  3. Emphasis
  4. Explanation
  5. Addition
  6. Result
  7. Contrast
  8. Summary

See the full list of transition words from each of the above categories at the end of this post, but first, let’s see how they look in a text.

Primero, quiero contarte una historia. Allá voy, espera. Además, te quiero contar una historia que nadie antes haya oído. Es decir, vas a ser el único en saberlo. Así que, presta atención, sobre todo cuando mencione algunas fechas. Aunque, si quieres, la puedes contar después a tus propios hijos. Al fin y al cabo, esta historia ya será tuya.

First, I want to tell you a story. Here I go, wait. Also, I want to tell you a story that no one has heard before. I mean, you’ll be the only one to know it. So pay attention, especially when I mention some dates. Although if you want, you can tell it later to your own children. After all, this story will already be yours.

Learn more: 50 Useful Transition Words in Spanish for Everyday Speech and Writing

A List of Spanish Linking Words

Here’s a handy list of Spanish linking words in one single place! 

Download the PDF and take it with you while writing essays—you’ll amaze your Spanish teacher!

screenshot

Download the Spanish Linking Words Cheat Sheet!

Type in your name and email below! We'll immediately send the Spanish Linking Words cheat sheet to your inbox!

Spanish Linking Words Chart

CONJUNCTIONS
1.1 COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
1.1.1 Coordinating Conjunctions to Express Addition
yand
eand
ninor
1.1.2 Coordinating Conjunctions to Give an Alternative 
oor
uor
1.1.3 Coordinating Conjunctions to Express Contrast
perobut
masbut
sinobut
1.2 SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION (*- subjunctive mood should be used)
1.2.1 Causal Conjunctions
comosince, as
dado quesince, as
porquebecause, since, as
puesto quebecause, since, as
visto quesince, as
ya quesince, as
1.2.2 Conjunctions of Comparison
quethan
como si*as if
sin que*without
1.2.3 Relative Conjunctions
siif, whether
que (positive)that
que (negative)*that
1.2.4 Conjunctions of Concession
aunquealthough
aun cuandoalthough, even though
si bienwhile
aunque*though, although
así*even if
por más que*no matter how (much)
por mucho que*as much as
1.2.5 Conjunctions of Result
quethat
así (es) queso
de modo / manera / forma quethat
de modo / manera / forma que*in a way that
1.2.6 Conjunctions of Condition
si*if
como*if
a menos que*unless
con tal de que*as long as
siempre que*as long as
siempre y cuando*as long as
salvo que*unless
cada vez que*whenever
mientras*if, as long as
1.2.7 Conjunctions of Purpose
para que*so that
a fin de *so that
1.2.8 Illative Conjunctions
luegotherefore
conqueso
1.2.9 Conjunctions of Time
mientraswhile
luego que*after (that)
TRANSITION WORDS
2.1 TRANSITION WORDS FOR TIME
primero, segundofirst, second
en primer lugar, en segundo lugarin the first place, secondly
después (de)after, afterward
yaalready
todavíastill
todavía nonot yet
mientraswhile
mientras tantomeantime
por finat last
al finalat the end
finalmentelastly
al mismo tiempoat the same time
para continuarnext, further
por últimolastly
en conclusiónin conclusion
2.2 TRANSITION WORDS FOR PLACE
aquí, acáhere
ahí, allíthere
al lado denext to
afueraoutside
alláover there
más allábeyond, further
deof, from
desdefrom, since
2.3 TRANSITION WORDS TO EMPHASIZE
sobre todoparticularly, especially, above all, mainly
especialmenteespecially, particularly
efectivamente, realmenteeffectively, indeed, actually, really, truly
de hechoin fact, indeed, as a matter of fact
principalmenteespecially, particularly, mainly
2.4 TRANSITION WORDS TO EXPLAIN AN IDEA
es decirthat is, I mean
por ejemplofor example, for instance
en otras palabrasin other words
asíthus, thereby
2.5 TRANSITION WORDS TO ADD AN IDEA
ademásmoreover, additionally
apartebesides, apart from
asimismoalso, likewise
tambiénalso, too
más aúnmoreover
de todas formas / maneras / modosin any case, anyhow
de cualquier forma / manera / modoin any case, anyhow
sobre todoabove all
yand
2.6 TRANSITION WORDS TO SHOW A RESULT
como resultadoas a result
en consecuenciaas a consequence, accordingly
a consecuencia deas a result of, because of
por eso / estotherefore, for this reason, that’s why
por lo tanto, por consiguientetherefore, thus
por esta razónfor this reason, because of this
así queso
2.7 TRANSITION WORDS TO CONTRAST AND COMPARE
aunquealthough, even though
perobut
sin embargohowever, nevertheless
al contrarioon the contrary
a pesar dedespite, in spite of
aun asíeven so
sinobut
en cambioon the other hand, instead
2.8 TRANSITION WORDS TO SUMMARIZE
en resumento sum up
para terminarlastly, finally
en conclusiónin conclusión, in a nutshell
en síntesisin short
en otras palabrasin other words
al fin y al caboall in all
después de todoafter all

Después de Todo

Now that you know all types of Spanish linking words it’s time to check how they feel in a speech. Sign up today for a free class to practice your conversational skills with one of our friendly, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. They can give you more tips on how to improve your oral and writing skills supercharged now by Spanish connective words.

sign up for a free spanish class
Sign up for your FREE TRIAL CLASS today!

Ready to learn more Spanish grammar? Check these out!

  • Llegar vs Llevar in Spanish: What’s the Difference?
  • 10 Essential Ways to Use “Que” in Spanish
  • Solo vs Solamente: What’s the Difference?
  • What Is an Infinitive in Spanish?
  • How To Use the Spanish Verb ‘Parecer’
  • Having Fun in Spanish Using the Verb ‘Divertirse’
  • How to Use the ‘Personal A’ in Spanish: Do’s and Don’ts
  • Hacer Conjugation: Free Spanish Lesson, Exercises, and PDF
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Olga Put
Olga Put
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
I'm a Spanish philologist, teacher, and freelance writer with a Master's degree in Humanities from Madrid. I speak Polish, Spanish, and English fluently, and want to get better in Portuguese and German. A lover of literature, and Mexican spicy cuisine, I've lived in Poland, Spain, and Mexico and I'm currently living and teaching in Madeira, Portugal.
Olga Put
Latest posts by Olga Put (see all)
  • 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior - March 20, 2023
  • Equipping Your Child for Fluency: 8 Tips for Teaching Spanish - March 15, 2023
  • Llegar vs Llevar in Spanish: What’s the Difference? - March 12, 2023
grammar grammar PDF spanish grammar
0

Related Posts

Spanish for dummies

Spanish for Dummies [Greetings, Questions, Small Talk, and More]

March 10, 2022
Read More
spanish pronouns

3 Types of Spanish Pronouns to Perfect Your Fluency

May 16, 2021
Read More
you formal in Spanish

How to Say ‘You’ in Formal and Informal Spanish

September 21, 2021
Read More
filler words in Spanish

The Ultimate Guide to Filler Words in Spanish for More Natural Conversations

September 27, 2021
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

7 Amusing Spanish Memory Games for KidsPrevious Post
10 Must-See Spanish Shows on HuluNext Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
    10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
    March 20, 2023
    You surely know that learning a second...
  • 8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
    8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
    March 18, 2023
    Here's an idea: learn Spanish in Costa Rica....

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.