や

particle

and; such things as

Listing particle for non-exhaustive examples, often tied to a specific time and place. Softer than と.

• 机つくえの上うえに本ほんやペンがある。

  There are books, pens, and such on the desk.

particle

as soon as; the minute ...

Follows the dictionary form of a verb; often in the pattern や否や. Literary or formal.

See also: や否や

• 彼かれは家いえに着つくや否いなや、電でん話わをかけた。

  He called as soon as he got home.

copula

be; is

Kansai dialect copula, equivalent to だ. Casual and regional.

See also: だ

• これ、めっちゃうまいやん。

  This is really good, isn't it? (Kansai)

interjection

oh; o

Punctuational exclamation in haiku, renga, etc. Poetic and traditional.

• 古ふる池いけや蛙かわず飛とびこむ水みずの音おと

  The old pond—a frog jumps in, the sound of water. (Bashō)

interjection

huh?; what?

Interjection expressing surprise or confusion. Casual.

• や、何なにこれ？

  Huh? What's this?

interjection

hi; hey

Casual male greeting. Rough and informal.

• や、元げん気きか？

  Hey, how's it going?

interjection

yes?; what?; isn't it?

Archaic interjection or question particle. No longer used in modern Japanese.

• 「や、さようにござります」と古ふるい文ぶんに書かいてある。

  In old texts, you see things like 'Yes, that is so.'