Translation guide
The English word 'and' connects words, phrases, and clauses. In Japanese, the way you say 'and' depends on what you are connecting: nouns, adjectives, verbs, or sentences. There is no single word that works in all cases.
To list two or more nouns (people, things, places).
Used to list an exhaustive set of nouns. It implies 'A and B' (and nothing else).
There is a dog and a cat.
Used to list examples from a larger set, like 'A and B, among others'.
Similar to や, but more casual and often used in conversation. Can also be used with verbs and adjectives.
Formal written 'and', used in official documents or formal speeches.
To describe something with two or more adjectives.
For い-adjectives, replace the final い with くて to mean 'and'. This connects adjectives in a sequence.
This room is spacious and bright.
To link actions or events in sequence or simultaneously.
The て-form of a verb is the most common way to say 'and' when connecting actions. It can indicate sequence, means, or reason.
To add information or continue a thought across sentences.
Means 'also', 'and also', or 'in addition'. Used at the start of a sentence.
To express 'and' when counting or adding numbers.
Used between numbers when adding or listing them.
To emphasize that two things are included.
Used with nouns to mean 'both A and B'. The particle も replaces は/が.
The particle と only connects nouns. Using it to connect adjectives or verbs is a common mistake. Use the て-form or other patterns instead.
Incorrect: It's big and beautiful.
There are books and pens (and other things) on the desk.
On days off, I go to movies and shopping (and things like that).
Please fill in your name and address.
For な-adjectives, add で after the stem to mean 'and'.
She is kind and gentle.
Used to list multiple reasons or characteristics, often implying 'and also' or 'and what's more'. Can be used with both い and な adjectives.
This restaurant is cheap and delicious (and also...).
I wake up, wash my face, and eat breakfast.
Used to express 'go/come to do something', which in English often uses 'and'. The verb stem + に indicates purpose.
I'm going to go and see a movie.
Used to list examples of actions, similar to 'do things like A and B'. The verbs are in the past plain form + り.
On weekends, I read books and watch TV (among other things).
A conjunction meaning 'and then' or 'and also', used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Yesterday it rained. And today it's sunny.
Means 'and then' or 'after that', emphasizing chronological order.
I went shopping, and then watched a movie.
彼は医者です。また、作家でもあります。
He is a doctor. And he is also a writer.
Means 'furthermore' or 'moreover', slightly more formal than また.
This plan takes time. And moreover, it's expensive.
Casual 'and also' or 'on top of that', used in conversation.
This restaurant is cheap, and it's delicious too.
2と3を足すと5になります。
2 and 3 makes 5.
Loanword 'plus', used in arithmetic or casual addition.
2 plus 3 is 5.
I can speak both Japanese and English.
Means 'not only A but also B'. More formal.
He can speak not only Japanese but also Chinese.
Correct: It's big and beautiful.
と lists everything. や implies there are other things not mentioned. とか is more casual and can also be used with verbs/adjectives. Choose based on whether your list is exhaustive and the formality of the situation.