や (and, among others)
ya (and, among others)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Meaning
"and (for example)" — an incomplete list of nouns.
や means "and" but with a hidden "among other things". 本やペン "books, pens and things like that". It tells the listener you are giving examples, not the full list. Compare と, which means "and" for a complete list. や often ends with など "etc." to make the incompleteness clear: 本やペンなど.
Describing what is on a desk, what you do at the weekend, which places you want to visit, what you bought: any time you name a few examples out of many. Nouns only.
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
Noun + や + Noun (本やペン)Noun + や + Noun + など (本やペンなど)
Visual diagram
| Aspect | と | や |
|---|---|---|
| How many items really? | exactly these | these and more |
| Example | 本とペンがあります | 本やペンがあります |
| English | there are a book and a pen | there are things like books and pens |
Natural examples
机の上に本やペンがあります。
つくえの うえに ほんや ペンが あります。
There are books, pens and so on on the desk.
Examples of what is on the desk (there may be more).
週末は掃除や洗濯をします。
しゅうまつは そうじや せんたくを します。
At the weekend I do cleaning, laundry and such.
Examples of weekend chores.
京都や奈良へ行きたいです。
きょうとや ならへ いきたいです。
I want to go to Kyoto, Nara and other places.
Examples of places: Kyoto, Nara and others.
朝はパンや果物を食べます。
あさは パンや くだものを たべます。
In the morning I eat things like bread and fruit.
Examples of breakfast foods; the list is not complete.
公園に子供や犬などがいます。
こうえんに こどもや いぬなどが います。
There are children, dogs and so on in the park.
や ... など: a classic pair.
Similar grammar and the difference
と = complete list (only these). や = examples. Compare side by side
など = "etc." and follows the last item of a や list. Compare side by side
The verb version of や: "do things like A and B". Compare side by side
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 掃除をしたり洗濯や料理をします。
- ✓
- 掃除や洗濯をします。／ 掃除をしたり洗濯をしたりします。
- Why
- や joins nouns only. For actions use たり〜たり.
- ✗
- 父や母がいます。(meaning exactly the two)
- ✓
- 父と母がいます。
- Why
- If you mean only those two, use と. や suggests there are others.
- ✗
- 本やペンとノート
- ✓
- 本やペンやノート ／ 本とペンとノート
- Why
- Do not mix と and や in one list; choose one type of list.
と = complete list (only these); や = partial list (these among others). Nouns only.
JLPT N5 tips
On the exam
- If など appears after the second noun, the blank between the nouns is や, never と.
- The English translation in your head is not enough. Ask: "Are these ALL the items?" と for yes, や for no.
Frequently asked questions
What does や (and, among others) mean?
"and (for example)" — an incomplete list of nouns. や means "and" but with a hidden "among other things". 本やペン "books, pens and things like that". It tells the listener you are giving examples, not the full list. Compare と, which means "and" for a complete list. や often ends with など "etc." to make the incompleteness clear: 本やペンなど.
How do you form や (and, among others)?
Noun + や + Noun (本やペン) / Noun + や + Noun + など (本やペンなど). V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is や (and, among others) used?
Describing what is on a desk, what you do at the weekend, which places you want to visit, what you bought: any time you name a few examples out of many. Nouns only.
What is the difference between や (and, among others) and と?
と = complete list (only these). や = examples.
What is the difference between や (and, among others) and など?
など = "etc." and follows the last item of a や list.
What is a common mistake with や (and, among others)?
Wrong: 掃除をしたり洗濯や料理をします。 Right: 掃除や洗濯をします。／ 掃除をしたり洗濯をしたりします。 や joins nouns only. For actions use たり〜たり.
Quick check
What goes in ( )? 机の 上に 本（ ）ペンなどが あります。