及び

及び means and; as well as. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to connect nouns formally in notices, rules, and documents.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, 及び is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker’s logic, stance, or emphasis.

What does 及び mean?

Use 及び when you want to connect nouns formally in notices, rules, and documents.

Natural translations include:

• and; as well as
• depending on context
• in a way that matches the speaker’s emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

How to form 及び

Noun + 及び + Noun

Examples of the pattern:

• 氏名及び住所を記入してください。
• 会議には社員及び関係者が参加します。
• 利用規約及びプライバシーポリシーをご確認ください。

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

When is 及び used?

Use 及び in situations like:

• reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
• making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
• connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:

• usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
• common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

及び example sentences

• 氏名及び住所を記入してください。 — Please write your name and address.
• 会議には社員及び関係者が参加します。 — Employees and related parties will attend the meeting.
• 利用規約及びプライバシーポリシーをご確認ください。 — Please check the terms of use and privacy policy.
• 日本語及び英語で対応できます。 — We can respond in Japanese and English.
• 資料及び筆記用具を持参してください。 — Please bring materials and writing utensils.

After reading each sentence, ask what job 及び is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

Nuance of 及び

The key nuance is connect nouns formally in notices, rules, and documents.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:

• In formal writing, 及び often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
• Compared with と, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

及び vs と

Both 及び and と can express related ideas, but they are different.

及び:

• fits the N2 nuance explained above
• often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

と:

• is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
• may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:

• 氏名及び住所を記入してください。
• Try rewriting the sentence with と and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

Common mistakes with 及び

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
• Confusing it with と just because the English translation overlaps
• Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with 及び, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

Is 及び on the JLPT?

Yes. 及び is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

Practice questions for 及び

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Write one sentence that clearly needs 及び.
• Write a second sentence with と and compare the nuance.
• Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

Learning path for 及び

To learn 及び efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern’s real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare 及び with と and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes 及び necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• n4 matawa — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• n2 nominarazu — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• n4 shi — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

Learn 及び with Hane

If you want to review 及び together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons