Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
“and,” “as well as,” “in addition to.” It is used to connect two or more nouns, phrases, or clauses in a list, indicating that they are equally important or belong to the same category.
🎯 Primary Function
To list items, people, or concepts in a formal or official context, emphasizing that both/all items mentioned are included.
📋 Grammar Structure
Noun A 及び Noun B (Noun A and Noun B) / Clause A 及び Clause B (less common)
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Highly used in official documents, legal texts, academic papers, formal speeches, and business communications.
Informal Situations
Rarely used in casual daily conversations as it sounds too stiff and formal.
Written Language
Very common in written Japanese, especially in formal or technical writing.
Spoken Language
Used in formal presentations or speeches, but generally avoided in everyday speech.
💡 Common Applications
Connecting nouns or noun phrases.
Used to link two or more nouns or noun phrases in a list, similar to “and” in English, but with a formal tone.
Example: 申請書には氏名及び住所を記入してください。(Please fill in your name and address on the application form.)
Connecting clauses (less common).
Can formally connect two clauses, often implying a comprehensive listing or a formal statement of facts, though less frequent than connecting nouns.
Example: 本製品は、高品質の素材を使用し、及び厳しい品質管理の下で製造されています。(This product is made using high-quality materials and is manufactured under strict quality control.)
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Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal written contexts; very infrequent in casual spoken Japanese.
Difficulty
N2
Example Sentences
日本及びアメリカの代表者が会議に参加しました。
Representatives from Japan and America participated in the conference.
契約書には、署名及び捺印が必要です。
A signature and a seal are required on the contract.
彼は企画の立案及び実行を担当しています。
He is in charge of planning and executing the project.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Formal Conjunction
及び (oyobi) is exclusively used in formal settings. Using it in casual conversation would sound unnatural and overly stiff.
Example: 今日、田中さん及び佐藤さんと会いました。(Unnatural in casual speech. Better: 今日、田中さんと佐藤さんに会いました。)
Inclusive “And”
Unlike や (ya) or とか (toka) which imply “and so on,” 及び (oyobi) indicates that all listed items are included and are equally important.
Example: 参加者全員にパンフレット及び記念品が配布された。(Pamphlets and souvenirs were distributed to all participants. – Implies *all* items listed were given.)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using 及び (oyobi) in casual conversation.
✅ Use と, そして, それから, or simply list items with a pause.
及び (oyobi) is strictly formal. Casual contexts require more common conjunctions or simpler structures.
❌ Confusing it with や (ya) or とか (toka).
✅ Remember 及び (oyobi) is exhaustive and formal, whereas や/とか are illustrative and informal/casual.
及び (oyobi) lists *all* relevant items, while や/とか list examples among many.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Very high politeness/formality level.
Social Situations: Official documents, business meetings (presentations), academic papers, legal contexts.
Regional Variations: None notable, as it is a standard formal term.
🔍 Subtle Differences
及び (oyobi) vs. と
及び (oyobi) is formal and often used for lists of three or more, or in official contexts for two. と is a general, neutral “and” used for two items, forming a complete list.
When to use: Use 及び (oyobi) for formal, comprehensive listings; use と for general, complete listings of two items in any context.
及び (oyobi) vs. そして / それから
そして / それから connect sentences or clauses, indicating a sequence or addition. 及び (oyobi) primarily connects nouns/noun phrases within a single statement, or very formally, clauses as a comprehensive list.
When to use: Use そして / それから for sequential actions or adding new sentences; use 及び (oyobi) for formal lists of items within a sentence.
及び (oyobi) vs. や / とか
及び (oyobi) implies an exhaustive and formal list. や / とか imply an incomplete list, giving examples (“such as,” “and so on”).
When to use: Use 及び (oyobi) when all items are important and explicitly included; use や / とか when providing examples.
📝 Conjugation Notes
Not applicable as it is a conjunction.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “o-yo-bi”. The “o” is short, “yo” is short, and “bi” is short. The accent is flat.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of 及び (oyobi) as “and” for official documents, similar to “and also” or “as well as” in formal English. The kanji 及 (kyuu/oyobi) means “reach; extend to; come up to; 及ぶ (oyobu) means to reach/extend,” implying inclusion.
Vocabulary List
氏名
shimei
full name
住所
juusho
address
申請書
shinseisho
application form
代表者
daihyousha
representative
会議
kaigi
meeting
契約書
keiyakusho
contract
署名
signature
Kanji List
及
キュウ、およぶ、および
reach, extend, and
氏
シ、うじ
family name, Mr./Ms.
名
メイ、ミョウ、な
name
住
ジュウ、すむ
live, reside
所
ショ、ところ
place
申
シン、もうす
report, state
請
セイ、シン、こう
request, ask
書
ショ、かく
write, book
代
ダイ、かえる
substitute, change, generation
表
ヒョウ、おもて、あらわす
surface, table, express
会
カイ、エ、あう
meet, society
Practice Exercises
この書類には、署名（ ）捺印が必要です。
とか
や
及び
そして
以下の文で「及び」を適切に使えるのはどれですか？
週末は、映画を見る及び友達と遊んだ。
報告書は、結論及び提案で構成されている。
晩ご飯に、カレーライス及びサラダを食べた。
明日は、学校に行く及びアルバイトがある。
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