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Definition
The grammar pattern "〜と" is used to indicate a combination or a pair of things. It can be used to list nouns exhaustively, such as "AとB", or to mark a companion for doing something together, such as "友達と行く". This pattern is often used in everyday conversations and is a fundamental part of the Japanese language. When using "〜と", it's essential to understand that it implies a specific combination or pair, rather than a general list or a non-exhaustive selection.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun form | Noun1とNoun2 | りんごとみかん |
| Verb form | Verb1とVerb2 | 友達と映画を見ました |
| Noun phrase form | Noun phrase1とNoun phrase2 | コーヒーと紅茶 |
Examples
りんごとみかんを買いました。
RingotoMikanwoKaimashita.
I bought apples and oranges.
りんごとみかん (apples and oranges)
友達と映画を見ました。
Tomodachi to Eiga o Mimashita.
I watched a movie with my friends.
友達と (with friends)
コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがいいですか。
Kohi to Koucha, Dokka ga ii desu ka.
Which one, coffee or tea, do you like?
コーヒーと紅茶 (coffee and tea)
彼と話をしました。
Kare to Hanashi o Shimashita.
I talked to him.
彼と (with him)
Context
The grammar pattern "〜と" is used in informal conversations to indicate a combination or pair of things. It's essential to use this pattern correctly to avoid confusion. In formal writing or speaking, it's often replaced with other patterns, such as "AとBを組み合わせる" or "AとBを合わせる".
Watch out
When listing multiple items, it's more natural to use "〜や" or "〜たち" to indicate a non-exhaustive selection. Using "〜と" in this context can make the sentence sound awkward or confusing.
While "〜と" is used to indicate a combination or pair, "〜と言う" is used to quote someone. Make sure to use the correct pattern depending on the context.
When listing items in a general sense, it's more natural to use "〜や" or "〜たち". Using "〜と" in this context can make the sentence sound awkward or confusing.
Strategy
When answering JLPT N5 questions, pay close attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct pattern, "〜と", to indicate a combination or pair of things. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as "〜や" or "〜たち".
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 〜と used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
りんごとみかんを買いました。
Pattern used: と
と lists items exhaustively. 'I bought apples and oranges' — exactly these two, nothing else.
友達と映画を見ました。
Pattern used: と
と marks the companion. 'I watched a movie with my friend.' The action is done together.
コーヒーと紅茶、どちらがいいですか。
Pattern used: と
と presents exactly two choices for comparison. 'Coffee and tea — which do you prefer?' The listing is complete.
Interactive
りんご______みかんを買いました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.