GRAMMAR DETAIL
と
Connects two or more nouns as equally included items in a complete list.
Examples
パンと牛乳を注文しました。
I ordered bread and milk.
Words used
父と母は旅行に出かけました。
My father and mother went on a trip.
Words used
朝食にパンと卵を食べました。
I ate bread and eggs for breakfast.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Connect two or more nouns with
と, then add the particle needed for the whole phrase. - Basic usage:
パンと牛乳を注文しました。presents both bread and milk as what was ordered.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- An example list with や
パンと牛乳groups the two stated items, whileパンや牛乳presents them as examples.
- Companionship and coordination
- In
父と母が出かける, the two people form the subject together. In父が母と出かける, the father is the subject and the mother is presented as his companion.
- In