Connectors (connettori) join words and sentences: e (and), ma (but), o (or), perché (because, why) and quando (when).
e: and
e joins two words or two sentences of equal weight.
Parlo italiano e inglese.
I speak Italian and English.
Studio e lavoro.
I study and I work.
Before a word that starts with e, e often becomes ed. It sounds smoother.
Elena ed Enrico sono amici.
Elena and Enrico are friends.
Un progetto italiano ed europeo.
An Italian and European project.
ma: but
ma sets up a contrast. In conversation you also hear però (but, though).
Voglio venire, ma non posso.
I want to come, but I can't.
Il film è lungo, ma interessante.
The film is long, but interesting.
È buono, però è caro.
It's good, but it's expensive.
o: or
o offers a choice between two options. oppure sounds a little more emphatic.
Vuoi caffè o tè?
Do you want coffee or tea?
Andiamo al cinema o a teatro?
Shall we go to the cinema or to the theatre?
Prendo il treno oppure l'autobus.
I'll take the train or the bus.
perché: because, why
English needs two words, Italian has one: perché gives a reason (because) and asks for one (why).
Non vengo perché sono stanco.
I'm not coming because I'm tired.
Perché studi italiano? – Perché mi piace.
Why are you learning Italian? – Because I like it.
When the reason comes first, in front of the main clause, use siccome (since) instead of perché.
Siccome è tardi, vado a casa.
Since it's late, I'm going home.
quando: when
quando names the time something happens. It is not the same as se (if): with quando the event happens, with se it may not.
Quando arrivi, chiamami.
When you arrive, call me.
Ero felice quando ero bambino.
I was happy when I was a child.
Quando piove, resto a casa.
When it rains, I stay at home.
Se piove, resto a casa.
If it rains, I'll stay at home.
