# やら～やら: such things as; all sorts of > Learn how to use やら～やら, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning such things as; all sorts of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-yara-yara/ **やら～やら** means **such things as; all sorts of**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **list multiple examples, often with a busy or messy feeling**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **やら～やら** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does やら～やら mean? Use **やら～やら** when you want to **list multiple examples, often with a busy or messy feeling**. Natural translations include: - such things as; all sorts of - 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 やら～やら Noun / Verb dictionary form + やら + Noun / Verb dictionary form + やら Examples of the pattern: - 引っ越しで荷造りやら手続きやら大変だった。 - 試験前は復習するやら資料を読むやらで忙しい。 - 雨やら風やらで 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 やら～やら used? Use **やら～やら** 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 ## やら～やら example sentences - 引っ越しで荷造りやら手続きやら大変だった。 — Moving was hard with things like packing and procedures. - 試験前は復習するやら資料を読むやらで忙しい。 — Before the exam I am busy with things like reviewing and reading materials. - 雨やら風やらで、外に出られなかった。 — With rain and wind and all that, I couldn't go outside. - 子どもは泣くやら叫ぶやらで、部屋は大騒ぎだった。 — The child cried and shouted and all sorts of things, so the room was chaotic. - メールやら電話やらが次々に来た。 — Emails, phone calls, and so on came one after another. After reading each sentence, ask what job **やら～やら** 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 やら～やら The key nuance is **list multiple examples, often with a busy or messy feeling**. 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, **やら～やら** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **とか～とか**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## やら～やら vs とか～とか Both **やら～やら** and **とか～とか** can express related ideas, but they are different. **やら～やら**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **とか～とか**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 引っ越しで荷造りやら手続きやら大変だった。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **とか～とか** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with やら～やら Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **とか～とか** 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 **やら～やら**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is やら～やら on the JLPT? Yes. **やら～やら** 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 やら～やら Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **やら～やら**. - Write a second sentence with **とか～とか** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for やら～やら To learn **やら～やら** 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 **やら～やら** with **とか～とか** 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 **やら～やら** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n5 ya](/blog/n5-ya/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [といった](/blog/n2-to-itta/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 toka toka](/blog/n4-toka-toka/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn やら～やら with Hane If you want to review **やら～やら** 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](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)