Genki Grammar #70: Mastering Noun A ya Noun B

Introduction

In this blog post, we will learn about the Japanese grammar pattern: Noun A や Noun B (Noun A ya Noun B). This pattern is used to list examples of nouns without implying a complete list.

What It Means

The や (ya) particle connects two nouns and suggests that the listed items are examples. Unlike と (to), which lists items as a complete set, や (ya) indicates that the mentioned nouns are part of a larger group.

When You Use It

Use や (ya) when you want to:

1. List examples of nouns without implying a complete list.
2. Mention items as examples among other possible items.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use や (ya):

Example 1: 大阪や京都に行きました。
(Ōsaka ya Kyōto ni ikimashita.)
I went to Osaka and Kyoto (for example, and may have visited other places as well).

Example 2: 昼ごはんにはサンドイッチやサラダを食べます。
(Hirugohan ni wa sandoitchi ya sarada o tabemasu.)
For lunch, I eat sandwiches and salads (among other things).

Example 3: 教科書やノートを持ってきてください。
(Kyōkasho ya nōto o motte kite kudasai.)
Please bring textbooks and notebooks (and possibly other items).

Note

1. The や (ya) particle is similar to たり (tari) used with verbs, indicating examples rather than a complete list.
2. Use と (to) when you want to list items completely. For example: 猫と犬がいます (Neko to inu ga imasu) means “There are a cat and a dog,” implying no other animals.
3. や (ya) is often used with など (nado) to show that the list is not complete. For example:
   • 本や雑誌などがあります。
     (Hon ya zasshi nado ga arimasu.)
     There are things like books and magazines, among others.
   • 部屋には椅子やテーブルなどがあります。
     (Heya ni wa isu ya tēburu nado ga arimasu.)
     The room has items such as chairs and tables.

Conclusion

The や (ya) particle is a useful way to list examples of nouns in Japanese without implying a complete list.