とClosed-list and
と joins nouns into a complete list: “A and B.” It presents the named items as the full set intended in that context.
A complete list
Use と when the nouns together make up the complete list relevant to the sentence. “Complete” depends on the context: it means that the speaker is not deliberately leaving additional members unstated.
飲み物は水とお茶です。
The drinks are water and tea.
AnalyzeIn this context, water and tea are presented as the available drinks.
The list acts as one unit
After the nouns have been joined, the entire list can be the subject, object, possession, or another noun phrase in the sentence. A particle such as が, を, or の therefore comes after the final noun.
私はりんごとバナナを買いました。
I bought apples and bananas.
Analyzeを follows the completed list because both items are objects of the verb.
Longer lists
メニューは、カレーとサラダとスープです。
The menu consists of curry, salad, and soup.
Analyzeと appears between each member of this three-item list.
Complete lists and representative examples
と gives a closed list. By contrast, や names representative examples and suggests that other items may also belong to the list.
More examples
今日の朝食はパンと卵です。
Today's breakfast is bread and eggs.
Analyzeかばんに財布と鍵を入れました。
I put my wallet and keys in the bag.
Analyze店の定休日は月曜日と火曜日です。
The store is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Analyze応募に必要な書類は、申込書と身分証明書です。
The documents required for the application are an application form and identification.
Analyzeポスターには赤と白を使ってください。
Please use red and white for the poster.
Analyze箱の中身は皿とコップだけです。
The box contains only plates and cups.
Analyze