Japanese Particles と, や, か
Noun Connecting Particles (to, ya, ka)
Particles used to connect nouns: と (and, exhaustive list), や (and, non-exhaustive list), and か (or).
Japanese uses specific particles to link nouns depending on the exhaustive nature of the list: 'と' (to) is used for an exhaustive list, meaning 'A and B' (and nothing else). 'や' (ya) is used for a non-exhaustive list, meaning 'A and B (among other things)'. 'か' (ka) acts as a disjunctive conjunction, meaning 'A or B'. These particles are placed directly between the nouns they connect.
Examples
机の上に本とペンがあります。
There are a book and a pen on the desk.
カバンの中に本やペンがあります。
There are books and pens (among other things) in the bag.
今日か明日に映画に行きます。
I will go to the movies today or tomorrow.
Related terms
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