〜や〜

Formationnoun + や + noun (+ など)

や joins nouns as examples rather than a full inventory, so the listener knows there was more. It is the polite escape from having to name everything on the table. Read it as among other things and the gap from と stays clear.

Examples

〜や〜 is marked in each sentence. Tap any word for its dictionary entry.

1. レモンやライムはすっぱい果物くだものである。

   Lemons and limes are acidic fruits.

2. 木の葉このはが赤あかや黄色きいろになり始はじめた。

   The leaves began to turn red and yellow.

3. 色いろや形かたちが識別しきべつできる。

   He identifies colors and shapes.

4. ウサギはビーバーやリスと同族どうぞくです。

   Rabbits are related to beavers and squirrels.

5. 小説しょうせつはおとぎ話ばなしや神話しんわと同おなじぐらい古ふるい。

   Fiction is as old as fairy tales and myths.