Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "And" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "and", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
及び
および (oyobi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
云々
うんぬん (unnun)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "and" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 及び and 云々.
In Japanese, 及び (および (oyobi)) is typically associated with "and, as well as (formal)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal way to connect nouns or phrases, similar to と or そして but often used in official documents or formal speech..
On the other hand, 云々 (うんぬん (unnun)) maps to "and so on; and so forth; et cetera; blah blah blah" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to omit the rest of a quote or explanation, implying 'and so on.' It can also be used to express disinterest or dismissiveness. A literal translation of "and" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "及び"
彼は英語及びフランス語を話せる。
He can speak English and French.
Bilingual Context for "云々"
彼は「時間がなくて忙しいから手伝えない」と云々言っていた。
He was saying, "I can't help because I don't have time and am busy," and so on.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は英語 ＿＿＿ フランス語を話せる。" (Meaning: "He can speak English and French.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "及び" fits here because it means "and, as well as (formal)" in the context of: "He can speak English and French.". "云々" represents "and so on; and so forth; et cetera; blah blah blah".