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や

and (among other things)

Noun + や + Noun (+ など)

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や joins nouns like と, but hints that the list isn't complete: パンや卵を買いました, "I bought bread, eggs and so on". と says "these and nothing else"; や says "things like these".

It often ends with など, "etc.": 犬や猫など, "dogs, cats and the like". Even without など, the "and others" is understood.

Use it when the items are examples. If someone asks exactly what's in your bag and you answer with や, it sounds like you're leaving something out on purpose.

Examples

  • 冷蔵庫れいぞうこに肉にくや野菜やさいがあります。

    There's meat, vegetables and so on in the fridge.

  • 休やすみの日ひは本ほんや漫画まんがを読よみます。

    On my days off I read books, manga and things.

  • 京都きょうとや奈良ならなどに行いきました。

    I went to places like Kyoto and Nara.

  • 机つくえの上うえにペンやノートなどがあります。

    There are pens, notebooks and so on on the desk.

  • 朝あさはパンや果物くだものを食たべます。

    In the mornings I have things like bread and fruit.

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