JLPT N5 grammar

〜やmeaning and usage

Meaning

や links representative examples in an open list, as in “A, B, and so on.” Between small quantities, as in 一つや二つ, it can mean roughly “one or two.”

How to form it

  • nounやnoun
  • nounやnounなど

How it is used

Lists a few typical examples, implying there are more, often with 「など」; 「と」 lists everything. 「や」 joins only nouns; for actions, use 「〜たり〜たり」.

Examples

  1. 多くの子供はピーマンやにんじんが嫌いだ。

    Many children dislike foods such as green peppers and carrots.

  2. かばんの中に本やノートがあります。

    There are books, notebooks and so on in the bag.

  3. 京都や奈良などに行きたいです。

    I'd like to go to places like Kyoto and Nara.

About the example Here や links green peppers and carrots as examples of foods many children dislike; the list is not exhaustive.