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And / etc. (non-exhaustive)
Definition
The grammar pattern "〜や" is used to list nouns non-exhaustively, implying there are more items not mentioned. It often follows "など" (etc.) and suggests 'things like A and B (among others)'. Unlike "と" which lists everything, "や" is used to indicate that there are other items beyond what is mentioned. This pattern is often used to describe a range of possibilities or to provide examples of something.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun1やNoun2など | 本やペンなどがあります |
| Noun | Noun1やNoun2 | 本やペンがあります |
| Noun | Noun1やNoun2など | 日本語や英語などが話せます |
Examples
かばんの中に本やペンがあります。
kaban no naka ni hon ya pensu ga arimasu.
There is a book and a pen in the bag.
かばんの中に 本 (in the bag) や (and) ペン (pen) が (exist) あります (there is)
休みの日は、テニスやサッカーなどをします。
yasumi no hi wa, tenisu ya sakkā toshi o shimasu.
On holidays, I play tennis and soccer, etc.
休みの日は (on holidays) テニス (tennis) や (and) サッカー (soccer) など (etc.) を (play) します (do)
日本語や英語や中国語が話せます。
nihongo ya eigo ya chūgokugo ga hanasemasu.
I can speak Japanese, English, and Chinese.
日本語 (Japanese) や (and) 英語 (English) や (and) 中国語 (Chinese) が (can speak) 話せます (can speak)
Context
This pattern is used to list nouns non-exhaustively, often followed by "など" (etc.). It is used to indicate that there are other items beyond what is mentioned. The register is informal.
Watch out
"や" is only used to connect nouns, while "と" is used to connect verbs or adjectives.
"や" is used to list non-exhaustively, while "と" is used to list everything.
"など" is often used with "や" to indicate that there are other items beyond what is mentioned.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the words used to determine whether "や" or "と" is used. Practice using "や" to list non-exhaustively and "と" to list everything.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 〜や used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
かばんの中に本やペンがあります。
Pattern used: や
や lists items non-exhaustively. 'There are things like books and pens in the bag' — implying there may be more items.
休みの日は、テニスやサッカーなどをします。
Pattern used: や
や with など emphasizes the list is not complete. 'On days off, I do things like tennis and soccer (etc.)'
日本語や…や英語______中国語が話せます。
Pattern used: や…や
や…や lists multiple items non-exhaustively. 'I can speak languages like Japanese, English, and Chinese (among others).'
Interactive
かばんの中に本______ペンがあります。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.