助詞N5
〜や
and (partial listing, etc.)
Structure
N1 + や + N2 (+ など)
Explanation
Connects two nouns for partial listing, implying there are other similar items. Often used for examples.
Examples
机の上に本やペンがあります。
There are books, pens, and so on, on the desk.
休みの日は買い物や料理をします。
On days off I do things like shopping and cooking.
Note
や can be paired with など: 本やペンなどがある, making "etc." more explicit.