や (ya)

Meaning & usage

や links multiple nouns to suggest typical items from a larger group, meaning A, B, and so on. It follows a noun directly in the pattern Noun や Noun, often ending with など to make the incompleteness clear. Use と instead when you are naming every item with nothing left out.

Example sentences 5

1. つくえの上うえに本ほんやかばんがあります。

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

2. れいぞうこにたまごやぎゅうにゅうがあります。

   There are eggs, milk, and such in the fridge.

3. かばんの中にペンやノートがあります。

   There are pens, notebooks, and such in my bag.

4. ひるにパンやおにぎりをたべます。

   For lunch I eat things like bread and rice balls.

5. こうえんでいぬやねこをみました。

   I saw dogs, cats, and such at the park.