JLPT N5

と

And / With / Quotation

Structure

Noun と Noun

How it works

The particle 'と' (to) has three primary N5 uses: connecting two nouns (A and B), indicating an accompaniment (with someone), and marking a direct or indirect quotation. When used as 'and', it implies an exhaustive list, meaning only the items mentioned are included. Unlike 'and' in English, it is placed between every noun it connects.

Examples

机の上に本とペンがあります。

There is a book and a pen on the desk.

友達と映画を見ました。

I watched a movie with my friend.

田中さんは「お腹がすいた」と言いました。

Mr. Tanaka said, 'I am hungry.'

Common mistakes

Using 'と' to connect sentences or verbs; it can only connect nouns when used as 'and'.

Tip

Think of 'と' as a complete list. If you want to say 'and' but imply there are other things as well, use the particle 'や' instead.

More JLPT N5 grammar

はがをにでものや

See と in real Japanese

Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.

Try InputDojo free