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).
犬と猫がいます。
There is a dog and a cat.
Used to list examples from a larger set, like 'A and B, among others'.
机の上に本やペンがあります。
There are books and pens (and other things) on the desk.
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.
この部屋は広くて明るいです。
This room is spacious and bright.
For な-adjectives, add で after the stem to mean 'and'.
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.
朝起きて、顔を洗って、朝ごはんを食べます。
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.
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.
日本語も英語も話せます。
I can speak both Japanese and English.
Means 'not only A but also B'. More formal.
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.
✕ 大きくときれいです。
Incorrect: It's big and beautiful.
○ 大きくてきれいです。
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.
On days off, I go to movies and shopping (and things like that).
Please fill in your name and address.
彼女は親切で優しいです。
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.
この店は安いし、美味しいです。
This restaurant is cheap and delicious (and also...).
映画を見に行きます。
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.
週末は本を読んだり、テレビを見たりします。
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.
昨日は雨でした。そして、今日は晴れです。
Yesterday it rained. And today it's sunny.
Means 'and then' or 'after that', emphasizing chronological order.
買い物をして、それから映画を見ました。
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.
この計画は時間がかかる。さらに、費用も高い。
This plan takes time. And moreover, it's expensive.
Casual 'and also' or 'on top of that', used in conversation.
この店は安いし、それに美味しい。
This restaurant is cheap, and it's delicious too.
2 and 3 makes 5.
Loanword 'plus', used in arithmetic or casual addition.
2プラス3は5です。
2 plus 3 is 5.
He can speak not only Japanese but also Chinese.