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や (ya) - Non-exhaustive And

[Noun]や[Noun](など)

Explanation

Lists examples without including everything - "things like X and Y."

Formation

Noun + や + Noun

Examples

りんごやオレンジを買いました。
Ringo ya orenji o kaimashita.
I bought apples, oranges, (and other things).
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本や雑誌を読みます。
Hon ya zasshi o yomimasu.
I read books, magazines, (etc.).
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犬や猫が好きです。
Inu ya neko ga suki desu.
I like dogs, cats, (and such).
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Usage Notes

  • Implies there are more items not listed
  • Often followed by など (et cetera)
  • Can't connect verbs or adjectives
  • More casual/conversational than と

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't use when listing everything - use と instead
  • Can only connect nouns, not phrases
  • Usually only connects 2-3 items

Related Grammar from "Essential Particles"

は (wa) - Topic Particle

[Topic]は[Comment]

Marks the topic of the sentence - what you're talking about. The rest of the sentence is a comment about this topic.

が (ga) - Subject Particle

[Subject]が[Predicate]

Marks the grammatical subject, introduces new information, or answers "who/what" questions.

を (wo/o) - Direct Object Particle

[Object]を[Transitive Verb]

Marks the direct object of a transitive verb - the thing receiving the action.

More from "Essential Particles"