Before word beginning with o or ho is used u instead of o.
Mujer u hombre
Plata u oro
The conjunctions o and u have several values.
1 Excluding conjunction
O and u may indicate that is only possible one of two parts.
- They also may introduce one of several possibilities.
Ven el lunes o el martes. (= But not on Monday and Tuesday)
Ponle harina de trigo o almidón. (= But not both things)
- For instance in challenges.
O te quedas o te vas, decídete.
Tú eliges: o él o yo.
2 Explanatory conjunction
Mozart acabó la Sinfonía número 38, o Praga, en 1787.
El protagonista, o actor principal, tiene que ser alguien famoso.
3 Concessive
“Burro grande ande o no ande.” (= I choose the big and bulky object, even if it turns out to be the worst option.)
Me casaré con él, tenga o no tenga dinero. (= I will marry him, although he has no money.)
4 Copulative
Its meaning is synonymous with the conjunction y.
Perros o gatos pueden ser buenos animales de compañía.
Aquí solo pueden aparcar coches o motos.