Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
Using や for example lists
Use to list representative examples instead of a complete set.
Start with the example
。
There are books, notebooks, and other things on the desk.
shows that books and notebooks are examples of the things on the desk.
Notice the variation
。
I bought apples, bananas, and other things at the supermarket.
The list gives sample things bought at the supermarket.
More detail: how to apply this
connects nouns when you want to give examples instead of a full list.
It suggests that other similar things may also be included.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Distinguish named examples from an exclusive list; examples do not identify every member of the set.
applies bought to the whole list. The listed items were bought, but an exclusive limit is not stated.
。
I bought bread, milk, and so on.
Distinguish named examples from an exclusive list; examples do not identify every member of the set.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There are books, notebooks, and other things on the desk.
shows that books and notebooks are examples of the things on the desk.
Vocabulary notes
- ノート
- notebook
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
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
- りんご
- apple
- バナナ
- banana
Compare in context
。
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)
Section 2 of 4
Adding など
Adding
Start with the example
。
On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
widens the list beyond the two named activities.
Notice the variation
。
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.
More detail: how to apply this
often comes after a -list to make the “and so on” meaning more explicit.
It is common in explanations, schedules, and short written lists.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
widens the list beyond the two named activities.
。
On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
Showing Adding など: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
On Saturdays I do things like cooking and studying.
widens the list beyond the two named activities.
Vocabulary notes
- 土曜日
- Saturday
- など
- and so on; etc.
- する
- to do
Preview
。
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
Preview
。
On trips I use trains, buses, and so on.
plus is very common in simple written explanations.
Vocabulary notes
- では
- well then; in; by means of
- バス
- bus
- など
- and so on; etc.
Section 3 of 4
や vs と
Distinguish named examples from an exclusive list; examples do not identify every member of the set.
や vs と
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
names bread and milk as examples. signals that the list is illustrative.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
connects the named items;
explicitly presents them as examples from a wider set.
can give a complete answer in context, but alone does not prove that no other item was bought.
Use when you need to state an exclusive limit.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I bought bread and milk.
connects bread and milk. Context may make this the complete list, but exclusion of all other purchases is not encoded by alone.
。
I bought bread and milk.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I bought bread and milk.
Showing や vs と: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I bought bread and milk.
connects bread and milk. Context may make this the complete list, but exclusion of all other purchases is not encoded by alone.
Vocabulary notes
- パン
- bread
- と
- and; with; that
- 牛乳
- milk
Preview
。
I bought things like bread and milk.
suggests bread and milk are examples, not the full list.
Vocabulary notes
- 牛乳
- milk
Preview
。
I bought bread, milk, and so on.
Adding makes the open-ended meaning even clearer.
Vocabulary notes
- 牛乳
- milk
- など
- and so on; etc.
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
and mark examples among possible others.
connects the named items without that explicit illustrative signal.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
and mark examples among possible others. connects the named items without that explicit illustrative signal.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: A linked list / an explicitly illustrative list
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.