Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Using や for example lists
や connects nouns when you want to give examples instead of a full list. It suggests that other similar things may also be included.
Target signal
机の上に本やノートがあります。
There are books, notebooks, and other things on the desk.
や shows that books and notebooks are examples of the things on the desk.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- ノート
- notebook
- ます
- polite verb ending
Compare in context
スーパーでりんごやバナナを買った。
I bought apples, bananas, and other things at the supermarket.
The list gives sample things bought at the supermarket.
Vocabulary notes
- スーパー
- supermarket
- バナナ
- banana
- りんご
- apple
Compare in context
教室には先生や学生がいました。
There were teachers, students, and other people in the classroom.
Teachers and students are examples of the people in the classroom.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- いま
- now
- した
- did
Section 2 of 3
Adding など
など often comes after a や-list to make the “and so on” meaning more explicit. It is common in explanations, schedules, and short written lists.
Target signal
土曜日は料理や勉強などをする。
On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
など widens the list beyond the two named activities.
Vocabulary notes
- 土曜日
- Saturday
- する
- to do
- など
- and so on; etc.
Preview
かばんに本やノートなどがある。
There are books, notebooks, and so on in the bag.
The speaker gives examples of what is in the bag and leaves room for more.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- ノート
- notebook
- ある
- there is not; do not have
Preview
旅行では電車やバスなどを使う。
On trips I use trains, buses, and so on.
や plus など is very common in simple written explanations.
Vocabulary notes
- では
- well then; in; by means of
- など
- and so on; etc.
- バス
- bus
Section 3 of 3
や vs と
Use と when the list is complete or fixed. Use や when you are naming examples. Comparing nearly identical sentences is the fastest way to feel the difference.
Target signal
パンと牛乳を買った。
I bought bread and milk.
と sounds like a complete list of the things bought.
Vocabulary notes
- パン
- bread
- 牛乳
- milk
- と
- and; with; that
Preview
パンや牛乳を買った。
I bought things like bread and milk.
や suggests bread and milk are examples, not the full list.
Vocabulary notes
- パン
- bread
- 牛乳
- milk
- や
- and; among other things
Preview
パンや牛乳などを買った。
I bought bread, milk, and so on.
Adding など makes the open-ended meaning even clearer.
Vocabulary notes
- など
- and so on; etc.
- パン
- bread
- 牛乳
- milk