З, із, or зі?

[Robert252247]

How do I know when to use з, із, or зі. How much flexibility is there in the choice?

[Lizaveta.ua]

Hi! You use з between two vowels, for example: Тетяна з Андрієм, із between consonant and vowel, for example: Максим із Яною; зі between vowel and consonant, for example: зі спини. These are rules but unfortunately almost noone speaks that way, so it`s up to you!

[Robert252247]

Thanks, that was very informative.

[Anna_Elsa_J.]

So it's like "і", "та" and "й", or "в-" and "у-" right? To sound better?

[Lizaveta.ua]

Exactly!