the former and the latter; A and B
Used to refer to two previously mentioned items, often in contrast or comparison. 甲 is the first (former) and 乙 is the second (latter). Common in formal or written contexts.
Between these two proposals, which do you think is better, the former or the latter?
The contract requires the signatures of Party A and Party B.
甲 (こう) and 乙 (おつ) are the first two of the ten Heavenly Stems (十干), traditionally used for ordering. The phrase literally means 'A and B' or 'the first and the second', and is commonly used in legal and formal contexts to refer to two parties or items.