How to tell them apart
及び and 並びに both connect nouns in formal writing, but 並びに is heavier and more official, often pairing large or parallel items like 法律の制定並びに施行, while 及び is a lighter all-purpose formal and. かつ is different: it links predicates or whole clauses and stresses that two conditions hold at once, as in 速く且つ正確に, so using 及び there would be unnatural.
- 及び Use 及び to connect two nouns in formal written Japanese without special emphasis.
- 並びに Use 並びに for legal or official texts joining major parallel items.
- 且つ・かつ Use かつ to link predicates or clauses where both conditions apply simultaneously.
| Grammar point | Meaning | JLPT level |
|---|---|---|
| 及び bi | Connects items; formal written 'and' or 'as well as' | N1 |
| 並びに bini | Connects items formally: and; both ~ and ~; as well as | N1 |
| 且つ・かつ tsu katsu | In addition; furthermore; simultaneously (formal usage) | N1 |
及び bi
Connects items; formal written 'and' or 'as well as'
及び is a formal, written-style way to connect two nouns, meaning 'and' or 'as well as'. It attaches directly after a noun and is followed by another noun, appearing in official notices, rules and legal-style texts rather than everyday speech.
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全ての商品及びレストランで割引が効くわけではありません。
The discount can't be used for all goods or at all restaurants.
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すべて人は、生命、自由及び身体の安全に対する権利を有する。
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person.
並びに bini
Connects items formally: and; both ~ and ~; as well as
並びに joins two nouns or noun phrases, listing them together in a formal, legal, or written style. It follows nouns directly and is common in official documents and announcements, where a plainer conjunction would sound too casual.
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本社並びに各支店は年末年始の期間休業いたします。
The head office and all branch offices will be closed over the New Year period.
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氏名並びに住所を変更された方は窓口までご連絡ください。
If you have changed your name or address, please contact the service counter.
且つ・かつ tsu katsu
In addition; furthermore; simultaneously (formal usage)
且つ (かつ) is a formal conjunction meaning "and, moreover, at the same time." It typically links two adjectives or two nouns describing the same subject, as in 迅速かつ的確, and can also follow である-style phrases like 〜であり、かつ〜. It appears mainly in written or formal contexts.
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政治家であり、かつ作家であったその人は死にました。
The statesman and writer is dead.
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カナダとの関係は適切かつ冷静な状態が保たれていた。
Relations with Canada remained correct and cool.
及び and 並びに and 且つ・かつ are both JLPT N1 grammar points that Japanese learners often mix up. This page compares all 3 side by side on meanings, usage and example sentences, so you can tell them apart.