The words rizz, no cap, and slay might be taking over Gen Z lingo in English, but did you know that Japanese Gen Z has its own unique set of slang and phrases? Language is fluid, constantly evolving with each generation, and Japan is no exception. Gen Z has developed a variety of expressions that might leave you scratching your head.

You might wonder why, when you hang out with your Japanese friends—especially younger ones—you don’t understand many of the words they use. Just like in English, sometimes the younger generation can seem like they’re speaking an entirely different language.

But don’t worry! Most of these expressions come from common words you’ve probably already learned (and some even come from English). Let’s dive into the Gen Z phrases you should know to keep up with conversations with younger crowds in Japan!

What is “Gen Z” in Japan?

Just like most other places in the world, the word Gen Z, or Z世代 (zetto sedai) in Japanese, refers to anyone born from 1996 to 2015. Like everywhere else in the world, they are known as the generation that grew up in an unprecedented digital age where exposure to smartphones, YouTube, TikTok, and social media was very dominant. This likely shaped their language as well as made this language become widespread more rapidly. 

Japanese Gen Z are known for their creative use of slang, shortening words (a phenomenon called 略語 or ryakugo), and borrowing expressions from the internet or English. Below are 15 popular and current Japanese Gen Z words and phrases that will help you sound more in-the-know, or at least understand what your Japanese friends are texting or talking about.

Popular Gen Z Slang & Phrases to Know

1. やばい (Yabai)

This phrase has been used far before Gen Z was born, originally meaning “dangerous.” However, since then, this phrase has evolved to capture a wide range of different meanings. So, it is often used by Gen Z, especially on the internet, to quickly express something like “crazy,” “awesome,” “dangerous,” or “terrible”, depending on context. They use it for anything extreme, from something really cool to totally disastrous.

Example:

あの先生の宿題の量がやばいですよね。
Ano sensei no shukudai no ryou ga yabai desu yo ne.
The amount of homework that the teacher assigns is crazy!

Words with multiple meanings are very common in Japanese, so read this blog to learn about common words with multiple meanings in Japanese.

2. キュン (Kyun)

This is a Japanese onomatopoeia describing a tightening, fluttering feeling in the chest or heart, and often has a romantic connotation. However, the phrase is also commonly used as another word for かわいい (kawaii) or cute.  

The phrase “kyun” is a term that spread primarily on TikTok, thanks to a trend where creators paired the phrase “kyun desu” with catchy poses set to music that went viral. In fact, it was so popular that in the 2020 “Gal Buzzword Awards,” it ranked in third place.

If you cross your index finger and thumb to form a tiny heart, you’re striking the signature “kyun desu” pose.

Example:

猫の寝顔を見てきゅんです！
Neko no negao o mite kyun desu!
Seeing a cat’s sleeping face makes my heart melt!

3. それな (Sore na)

Meaning “exactly!” or “so true”, this Gen Z Japanese slang is a go-to agreement word when someone says something relatable. It may come from the Kansai dialect, but the origins are somewhat uncertain. Today, it’s adopted by the youth to enthusiastically agree, similar to saying “I know” or “facts!”

Example:

Friend: コーヒーはこのチーズケーキと合うな
Friend: koohii ha kono chiizu keeki to auna.
Friend: Coffee pairs so well with cheesecake.

You: それな!
You: Sore na!
You: I know!

4. ガチ (Gachi)

The word “ガチ” (gachi) is the Gen Z equivalent of “マジで” or “本当に”, meaning “seriously,” “for real,” or “really.” It originally comes from the sumo term “ガチンコ (gachinko),” which referred to a serious, genuine, or real situation. Nowadays, “ガチ” is casual slang used usually among friends or people you’re close to.

You can pair the word ガチ (gachi) with other words, instead of just using it on its own. For example, ガチ勢 (gachi-zoku) refers to people who are seriously dedicated to a hobby or activity, like “game gachi-zoku” or “anime gachi-zoku.” When combined with a noun, such as in ガチ中華 (gachi chuuka), it emphasizes authenticity or seriousness, meaning authentic Chinese food. ガチ恋 (gachi-koi) is used when someone is seriously in love with an idol or celebrity, while ガチで (gachi de) works as an adverb meaning “seriously” or “for real.” Similarly, ガチ推し (gachi-oshi) describes someone who wholeheartedly supports an idol or character.

Example:

これはガチで美味しい。
Kore wa gachi de oishii.
This is so delicious.

5. チル (Chiru)

The word “chill” has made its way into Japanese Gen Z slang, and it’s used almost exactly like it is in English. Originally from the phrase “chill out,” it basically means to relax, take it easy, or tell someone to calm down.

You’ll see it used in all sorts of ways, like “chill,” “chilling,” or “just chilling.” It’s the perfect word for those moments when you just want to hang out, kick back, and enjoy life without stress.

Interestingly, “chill” has been especially popular among millennials and Gen Z. Some think the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in its rise. After all, who didn’t want to slow down and relax during lockdowns?

Example:

今日はチルしよう。
Kyou ha chiru shiyou.
Let’s just chill today.

6. エモい (Emoi)

The word エモい (emoi) comes from the English word “emotional” and is used to describe feelings that deeply move you or resonate on a personal level. It doesn’t just mean happiness or sadness. It can capture complex emotions like nostalgia, loneliness, heartbreak, sentimentality, or a bittersweet sense of beauty. You might call a stunning landscape, an old song, a photo, or a fleeting moment “emoi” when it evokes an indescribable emotional response. In English, it’s similar to words like “emotional,” “nostalgic,” or “vibey.”

The origins of エモい are somewhat debated. One theory traces it directly to the English “emotional,” while another suggests it comes from the old Japanese phrase えもいわれぬ (emoiwarenu), which means “indescribable” or “hard to put into words.” 

The term has been around in the music world since the 1980s, but it became popular among youth around 2006. Its spread was further boosted when it was selected as one of “This Year’s New Words” by Sanseido in 2016!

Example:

この写真めっちゃエモい。
Kono shashin meccha emoi.
This picture is very emotional or nostalgic.

7. ワンチャン (Wanchan)

Not to be confused with the word for a dog, which is also ワンチャン (wanchan), this slang phrase actually means “there’s a chance” or “maybe.” 

Wanchan comes from the English phrase “one chance.” It’s a shortened form of ワンチャンス (one chance) and is used to suggest that there’s a small possibility something might happen.. In Japanese slang, it’s often used when talking about a slim but real chance to win, get something, or make something happen. Interestingly, in English, the phrase “one chance” isn’t used to mean “maybe,” so the slang usage is uniquely Japanese.

Example:

ワンチャン受かるかも。
Wanchan ukaru kamo.
There’s a chance I might pass.

8. 草 (Kusa)

This is the Japanese Gen Z equivalent of “LOL.” It comes from Japanese internet slang: “w” or “www,” which resembles blades of grass. Because of this visual similarity, the kanji 草 (kusa), meaning “grass,” was adopted as a shorthand way to show that something is funny or that you’re laughing.

The original “w” or “www” actually comes from the first letter of “wara (笑),” the Japanese word for “laugh.” So when you see 草 in comments or online chats, it’s not talking about plants. It’s simply a playful way of saying “haha” or showing that something made you laugh.

Example:

それ草。
Sore kusa.
That’s hilarious.

9. ぴえん (Pien)

Have you seen people using “pien” online lately? It’s basically a cute way of saying you’re sad or about to cry. The term actually comes from the crying face emoji 🥺, which shows that slight, watery-eyed “I might cry” vibe.

“Pieen” is thought to be the direct translation of that emoji, and “pien” is just the shorter, catchier version. It’s onomatopoeia (basically the sound of a tear falling), and it’s used to show sadness or disappointment in a sweet, playful way.

People usually pair it with emojis like 🥺 or 😢, so next time you want to say “I’m sad… but cute about it,” just drop a pien.

Example:

テスト落ちた…ぴえん。 
Tesuto ochita…pien.
I failed the test…😢

10. リアコ (Riako)

The word “リアコ” (riako) is short for “リアルに恋してる”, which basically means “really in love.” But there’s a twist: it’s not about having a crush on a friend, coworker, or someone you actually meet in real life. Instead, it’s used for being deeply in love with someone who’s basically out of reach, like a 2D anime character, a celebrity, or an idol you can only interact with as a fan!

In other words, riako describes the feeling of truly wanting a relationship with someone you can’t realistically date. It’s a kind of intense, “unreachable” love that’s become a popular slang term online. The word seems to have started popping up on social media around 2019, especially in communities focused on anime, games, and idol culture.

You should not use it for real crush. Take a look at an example below.

新入社員のやまだくんにリアコ中なの！
Shinyuushain no yamada kun ni riakonchuu nano!
I am totally riako over the new employee, Yamada!

That wouldn’t really count. Since the new employee exists in real life, the “riako” term doesn’t really apply.

The key difference between riako and more common fan terms like “oshi” (favorite) or just being a fan is the level of seriousness. Fans of an idol, celebrity, or 2D character usually admire them from afar—they might like them a lot, but they don’t necessarily want to actually date them.

Riako, on the other hand, is all about being truly, deeply in love. It often comes with strong feelings of jealousy toward other fans and a desire to “claim” the person for yourself. 

Example:

ジャングくにリアコしてる。
Janguku ni riako shiteru.
I have a big crush on Jung Kook。

11. 推し (Oshi)

Originally coming from the term 推しメン (oshi men), meaning the most popular member of an idol group. The shortened 推し (oshi) means “my favorite (idol, character, or person I support).” The word 推す (osu) itself actually means “to support,” so when using this phrase, you are expressing that a certain idol or work is your favorite, so you are a big fan. 

Example:

私の推しはジブリのハウル！
Watashi no oshi wa jiburi no hauru!
My favorite is Studio Ghibli’s “Howl’s Moving Castle!”

12. タピる (Tapiru)

“タピる” (tapiru) is a fun verb that came about during Japan’s bubble tea boom. It comes from タピオカ (tapioca) + る, which basically turns it into “to go drink bubble tea.” It’s a great example of how Gen Z in Japan likes to make new verbs by adding る to trendy words.

Even though the bubble tea craze has calmed down a bit, tapiru is still a part of 2010s youth culture and pops up casually among young people. You’ll see it a lot on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Using the abbreviation makes it easier to fit into character limits, and adding a hashtag like #tapiru can make your posts more visible. Bonus: searching #tapiru is a fun way to find popular tapioca shops in your area through other people’s posts!

Example:

学校帰りにタピろ！
Gakkou kaeri ni tapiro!
Let’s get bubble tea after school!

13. わかりみが深い (Wakarimi ga fukai)

This Gen Z Japanese slang is a playful, exaggerated way to say “I deeply relate.” It comes from わかる (to understand) but is transformed into a more dramatic expression. It comes from the verb 分かる (wakaru), meaning “to understand” or “to relate,” but adds a slangy twist with -み, which turns verbs or adjectives into nouns expressing a feeling or quality. So わかりみ becomes something like “the feeling of understanding or relating.”

The が深い (ga fukai) part literally means “is deep.” Put together, it’s a fun, dramatic way to say you totally get something, and it’s especially popular online and among young people.

Gen Z uses it in response to emotional lyrics, memes, relationship takes, or anything highly relatable. 

Example:

この歌詞はわかりみが深い。
Kono kashi wa wakarimi ga fukai.
These lyrics hit so hard.

14. あざまる (Azamaru)

This is a playful, cute way to say “thank you,” formed from あざす (a shortened version of ありがとうございます) and まる (“circle,” often added for emphasis or cuteness). Gen Z often uses it humorously or casually with friends, similar to saying “thanksies” or “thx!” in English.

Example:

今日手伝ってくれてあざまる！
Kyou tetsudatte kurete azamaru! 
Thanks for helping today!

15. おつ (Otsu)

Short for お疲れ様 (otsukaresama), which is a standard phrase for showing appreciation after work or effort. Among Gen Z, おつ is used casually between friends after events, school, gaming sessions, or online streams. It’s a warm, friendly way to acknowledge someone’s effort or say “good job.”

Example:

今日のライブ最高！おつ！
Kyou no raibu saiko! Otsu! 
Today’s concert was the best! Good job!

16. バズる (Bazuru)

The word バズる (bazuru) means that a post or topic on social media spreads explosively in a short period of time. The word is technically a loanword from the English “buzz,” like the buzz of excitement or a rumor, plus the Japanese verb ending -る (ru), turning it into an action: “to buzz” or “to go viral.”

There’s no strict rule on how a post might be considered viral. That said, what counts as “viral” really depends on the account. For example, a post going viral for a small account might have far fewer views than a viral post from a big influencer, but it still generates the same kind of explosive attention!

While Gen Z words are great to use with younger people, what are some terms you should avoid? Find out by reading our blog: Japanese Swear Words You Shouldn’t Use

Should I Use These Japanese Gen Z Slang?

Now that you know all this slang, you might be thinking: “Should I start using it everywhere?” Well, not so fast. Imagine your grandparents suddenly dropping words like rizz or no cap in conversation. It would feel a little off, right? The same goes for Japanese Gen Z slang. Using it out of context can come across as awkward, especially if your Japanese isn’t very strong and you suddenly start sprinkling a bunch of slang into your sentences.

Think of these words more as a way to understand how young people talk, rather than something you have to use to fit in. Different generations use slang naturally, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate the same way for learners. You don’t need to use these words to impress your Gen Z Japanese friends — though, of course, if you use them sparingly and in the right context, it can be fun and show that you know the lingo.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Language of Japan’s Gen Z

Japanese Gen Z slang is playful, expressive, and constantly evolving. Many of these terms come from a digital world where young people communicate heavily on social media, making the language dynamic and fun.

But to really speak naturally, whether using trendy Gen Z phrases or more traditional Japanese, it helps to learn from professional teachers. They can guide you to speak confidently and fluently, so you can hold conversations with friends in Japanese without hesitation.

Take this as your sign to start learning Japanese at Coto Academy! As Tokyo’s #1 Japanese language school, we focus on practical conversations, helping you feel confident speaking with millennials, Gen Z, or any generation. You can choose from our full-time Intensive Courses or part-time courses, both tailored to your level and personal goals. 

Don’t wait. Start your journey to Japanese fluency today by filling out the form below!

FAQ about Japanese Gen Z Slang:

Do Japanese people actually say these slang terms in real life?

Yes, especially among young people. Words like やばい, ガチで, and それな are extremely common in speech, while 草 and ぴえん are more common online. Some slang (like チル or エモい) appears both online and offline.

How fast does Gen Z slang change in Japan?

Very fast. New slang spreads quickly through TikTok, YouTube, LINE, and X (Twitter). Some words stay for years (like やばい), while others trend for a short period before disappearing. It’s a constantly evolving part of modern Japanese culture.

Are these slang expressions used everywhere in Japan?

Mostly in urban areas with strong youth culture, like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Fukuoka. In more rural or traditional regions, slang may be recognized but used less frequently.

Is it okay for Japanese learners to use Gen Z slang?

Yes, as long as you use it in the right context. It’s great for casual conversation with friends or understanding modern Japanese media. Just avoid using slang in formal situations or with someone you’ve just met.

Will these words help me understand anime, J-pop, or Japanese pop culture?

Definitely. Gen Z phrases commonly appear in social media posts from Japanese artists, J-pop lyrics, anime dialogue (especially school-life, romcom, or comedy series), variety shows, and influencer content.

Learning these helps you understand modern Japanese culture far better.

What is Gen Z called in Japan?

Gen Z in Japan is commonly called Z世代  (Z sedai), literally “Generation Z.”

What is 893 slang for?

The number 893 is a slang term for the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime). This comes from a Japanese wordplay: 8 = ya (八), 9 = ku (九), 3 = za (三).

What are some Gen Z slang phrases?

 Here are some popular Japanese Gen Z slang terms:

• リアコ (riako) – Really in love with a 2D character or celebrity.
• タピる (tapiru) – To go drink bubble tea.
• バズる (bazuru) – To go viral on social media.
• わかりみが深い (wakarimi ga fukai) – “I really relate” / “I feel this deeply.”
• ぴえん (pien) – Cute way to say you’re sad or about to cry.

Love reading content like this? Don’t forget to check out:

• Top Japanese Slang to Learn
• Japanese Texting Slang and Terms
• Japanese Vocabulary from Anime You Can Use

Want to learn Japanese hiragana? In this blog, we share our own PDF learning Hiragana practice sheets and links to some popular apps for learning Japanese. Just started learning Japanese? Head to our main article about the Japanese writing system for a more comprehensive guide!

Apps for Learning Hiragana

If you are just getting started with learning Hiragana, you may think that it is easier to learn with an App.

Apps are convenient and easy to take with you to practice using while you are out and about. However, we also suggest that you take some time to physically write the characters, as it will cement them in your brain.

That being said, we recommend several apps for being fun and easy to use.

Learn Hiragana & Katakana with Dr. Moku

Dr. Moku’s Hiragana and Katakana Mnemonics are 2 separate apps. One for Hiragana and one for Katakana. In each app, they associate all the kana with pictures, making it easy for you to remember them.

It also uses mnemonic hacks (tying each character to a visual story-based meaning) rather than just rote memorization.

Mindsnacks – Limited Free Version

Mindsnacks has a visually appealing interface, and the limited free version allows you to practice learning Hiragana and Katakana characters.

It is the closest thing to a learning video game that we have found.

Hiragana Learning Chart – Writing Practice PDFs

If you are looking for a more analog way to practice and learn hiragana – we have included a sample of a few of the practice homework sheets from our Japanese Crash Course below:

Open the image in a new tab by clicking on it- you can print it!

How to use the homework sheets:

Use the hiragana chart here to locate the correct symbol. (Right-click to save as – or left-click to open)

Draw a line to the corresponding character and connect them.

Start learning Japanese with Cot Academy!

Coto Academy offers expert-led Japanese lessons for all levels. Study in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online. Choose from part-time, intensive, or private lessons that fit your busy lifestyle. Start speaking real, practical Japanese today!

Looking for something more advanced? Check out our JLPT Kanji Workbook PDFs!

Hiragana FAQ

What is Hiragana used for?

Hiragana is a fundamental script in Japanese, used for writing sentences, grammatical particles (like は, が, を), and parts of words. It is also used for words that don’t have kanji or for furigana (small hiragana above kanji to show pronunciation).

How many Hiragana characters are there?

There are 46 basic Hiragana characters. Some characters can change their sounds when small marks (゛or ゜) are added, like か (ka) → が (ga) or は (ha) → ぱ (pa).

What’s the easiest way to learn Hiragana?

The best ways to learn Hiragana are:

• Learn mnemonics (e.g., し (shi) looks like a smiling face)
• Practice writing daily
• Use flashcards to memorize characters
• Listen to Hiragana songs or use learning apps

What’s the difference between Hiragana and Katakana?

Hiragana is mainly used for native Japanese words and grammar, while Katakana is used for foreign words (like “coffee” → コーヒー), onomatopoeia, and emphasis.

Can I write everything in Hiragana?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. Japanese writing combines Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, so writing everything in Hiragana can be hard to read and understand.

While China and Japan may be relatively close geographically and both shape today’s cultural, economic, business, and pop culture landscapes, the Chinese and Japanese languages have clear distinctions.

The Chinese language is estimated to be spoken by more than one-fifth of the world’s population. Japanese, on the other hand, is primarily spoken in Japan. And due to the massive influence and reach of both China and Japan, many language learners often struggle with the dilemma of choosing whether to learn Chinese or Japanese, and the fundamentals of what makes each language so special and unique from the other. 

In this article, we will help distinguish between the Chinese and the Japanese languages so that you can adopt a greater appreciation and understanding of each one, and determine which language is more aligned with your language learning wants and needs! 

History of the Chinese and Japanese Languages

Chinese Language

The Chinese and Japanese languages have ancient roots, tracing back thousands of years for both written and oral communication.  The modern Chinese language originated from the Proto-Sino-Tibetan language family, which emerged in the Yellow River region of northern China approximately 6,000 years ago. The historical timeline of the Chinese language can be divided into 4 distinctive eras: 

1. Ancient Chinese: 18th century BC – 3rd century AD
2. Middle Chinese: 4th century AD – 12th century AD
3. Early Modern Chinese:13th – 20th century
4. Modern Chinese: 20th century to present day

Each of these evolutionary eras marks a distinct shift in both the spoken and written Chinese language. 

For instance, Ancient Chinese featured many monosyllabic consonants (a word with only one syllable, ex. “hi” or “see”) and lack of inflections (changing a word’s form to align with a certain tense, ex. “chased” or “jumped”), marking the early emergence of a language without the later fine-tuning and specifics quite yet. 

Middle Chinese marked the early development of tonal variation, including level (píng) — a stable pitch, rising (shǎng) — a pitch that rises during the syllable, and departing (qù) — a falling pitch. During this period, the distinction between aspirated and unaspirated sounds also emerged. Aspirated sounds required a stronger burst of air upon pronunciation, whereas unaspirated sounds involved much less airflow.

Early Modern Chinese set the groundwork for the Chinese that we recognize today, including more disyllabic words (a word with more than one syllable, like  “sunshine” or “rainbow”), as well as the gradual shift towards Mandarin. 

Modern Chinese marks a significant change as the Mandarin dialect, which emerged in Beijing, becomes the official language across China and is widely spoken by the vast majority of the Chinese population. 

Japanese Language

The Japanese language is a member of the Japonic family, which comprises all of the languages spoken on the Japanese islands. The origins of the Japanese language date back approximately 2,000 years, coinciding with the Yayoi peoples’ arrival on the Japanese islands. The Japanese language can be sectioned off into three evolutionary categories:

1. Old Japanese: 710-794 
2. Early Middle Japanese: 800-1200
3. Late Middle Japanese: 1200-1600
4. Modern Japanese: 1600 to present day 

The Japanese language developed across each of these distinctive eras. Old Japanese utilized Man’yogana, which was an ancient Japanese writing system that focused on sounds derived from Chinese characters to convey meaning instead of a literal translation, as well as the introduction of a basic syllable before it later advanced. 

Early Middle Japanese saw the beginning stages of hiragana (native Japanese words) and katakana (loan words from foreign languages) in the written Japanese language, as well as an increased volume of words borrowed from Chinese characters to implement their meaning into the Japanese language, known as kanji. 

Late Middle Japanese saw the erasure of many nominal inflections (modifying a noun to adjust to a new element such as number or possession, like “horses” or “the horse’s hay”), which were previously used, as well as the introduction of loan words (katakana) from English. 

An important aspect of Modern Japanese as we know it today is the introduction of keigo, which is an honorific language that modifies words and titles depending on who the speaker is talking to and the degree to which they are showing respect or familiarity. The modern era also saw increased romaji, or romanized spelling of Japanese words (like “arigato gozaimasu” or “sumimasen”). If you are interested in tips and tricks to learn for newcomers to the Japanese language, take a look at our article detailing how to learn Japanese from scratch. 

Chinese vs Japanese Writing Systems 

The Chinese and Japanese writing systems are quite different from one another in many ways. 

Chinese Writing System

First and foremost, Chinese utilizes two writing systems called hanzi, which encompasses all Chinese characters, both traditional and simplified, and pinyin, which uses the Latin alphabet to convey Chinese sounds. There is also zhuyin, which is predominantly used in Taiwan to transcribe sounds from Mandarin. 

Japanese Writing System

Japanese, on the other hand, has three writing systems. It utilizes hiragana, which includes all native Japanese words; katakana, which is used for foreign loan words; and kanji, which is composed of logographic Chinese symbols. For an in-depth look into the Japanese writing systems, check out our article diving into hiragana, katakana, and kanji. 

While Japanese may borrow certain logographic symbols from Chinese, the pronunciation can be entirely different. For example, the logograph 水 (shuǐ) means water in Chinese, and the Japanese Kanji for water 水 (mizu) are identical in terms of character and meaning, but are pronounced differently. 

Chinese also has simplified and traditional characters, unlike Japanese. Simplified characters are easier to write and involve fewer intricate details, while traditional characters are more akin to historical accuracy but involve far more complex designs. Simplified characters are often utilized in mainland China and Taiwan, while traditional characters are more common in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Japanese also has its own writing system composed of simplified Kanji, called shinjitai. 

Want to start learning Japanese? We recommend joining conversation-focused beginner lessons at Coto Academy, available on a part-time or full-time basis. You’ll build a solid foundation in hiragana, katakana, and essential grammar, while gaining confidence to speak Japanese from day one.

Pronunciation and Phonetics

Chinese and Japanese pronunciation differ quite a bit from one another. Before we discuss the differences between the two, it is helpful to understand the key differences between pitch and tone as they relate to language. Pitch is what conveys the emotion or emphasis on a word, while tone utilizes pitch to create an entirely different meaning of a word.

Chinese Language

Chinese is a tonal language, with four distinct tones that can change the meaning of a word entirely. In the Modern Chinese language, the four tones are: 

1. 1st tone: level pitch (ex. wēn) where you maintain a high and steady pitch
2. 2nd tone: rising pitch (ex. wén) where you begin with a middle pitch and increase to a higher pitch
3. 3rd tone: falling-rising (ex. wěn), whee you begin with a middle pitch and then lower it, then proceed to raise your pitch again 
4. 4th tone: falling (ex. wèn), where you start off high-pitched and then sharply drop your tone 

Depending on the tone used, the meaning of the word above changes significantly, so mastering tones is a key element of learning the Chinese language! 

There is also a “neutral tone” in Chinese, although it is not considered its own tone; rather, it is considered an unaccented and unstressed syllable and lends its pitch to whichever tone appeared before it, as the neutral tone cannot exist alone. 

Japanese Language

Japanese is far less reliant on tonal variations to convey meaning. However, the importance of pitch is still prevalent in the Japanese language, with high and low pitches distinguishing words that are otherwise pronounced the same. 

Before we discuss the different pitches and how to make them, we must first understand what a mora is. 

Mora is the unit of sound that the Japanese language follows, similar to a syllable in English. However, moras are unique since they are given equal length, whereas syllables can be given unequal length in terms of time. An example of this is バス (basu) versus bus, with ba-su being two moras and the English spelling of bus only having one syllable. With this information taken into account, the four pitch patterns in Japanese are as follows:

1. Heiban (平板). Unaccented and flat (most Japanese words fall under this category) 
2. Atamadaka (頭高). The first mora begins high, and then the second mora drops to a low pitch
3. Nakadaka (​​中高). The first mora is low-pitched before transitioning to a higher pitch in the middle, and then falling back to a low mora 
4. Odaka (尾高). The first unit is flat and then rises to a high pitch for the duration of the word

For example, “ame” can mean either rain (雨) or candy (飴) depending on the pitch, with rain being a higher-pitched and candy being lower-pitched. 

If you are interested in learning more about the intricacies of the Japanese language and what makes it challenging to learn, feel free to read our other article detailing why Japanese is a challenging language to learn. Context clues can help Japanese learners differentiate between meanings and are more beginner-friendly since a Japanese speaker can likely still understand what is trying to be said, whereas Chinese is more difficult as improper tonal variation makes it far more difficult to discern the intended meaning. 

Grammar Sentence and Structure 

Chinese sentence structure uses subject-verb-object (SVO) order, while Japanese structure consists of subject-object-verb (SOV) order. 

An example showcasing this differentiation is the sentence “I listen to music” in Chinese and Japanese. 

In Japanese, it is “私は音楽を聴きます” (Watashi wa ongaku o kikimasu), or “I music listen to” if translated literally into English. 

The same sentence in Chinese would be “我听音乐” (Wǒ tīng yīnyuè), or “I listen to music”, which sounds more familiar to speakers of SVO languages, including English.

Japanese grammar also differs quite a bit from Chinese grammar when it comes to affixes, which are additions to the beginning or end of a root word to alter its meaning and purpose. This is represented by the usage of honorifics such as -chan (ちゃん), -san (さん), -sama (様), and -kun (君), which are added onto the end of a person’s name to convey varying levels of relation and formality. While Chinese also utilizes honorifics, it is far less integral grammar-wise to the overall structure and tone of a sentence than is the case in Japanese.   

Verbs in Chinese vs Japanese Language

The ways in which verbs are used and modified in Chinese vs. Japanese writing marks another area in which the two languages contrast with each other. 

In Chinese, verbs do not inflect and remain the same regardless of the tense or number; instead, the usage of particles such as 了(le) for completed actions and 在 (zài) for actions which are still being undergone indicates tense. An example of this is “I swam” or “ 我游泳了” (Wǒ yóu yǒng le), as well as “I am swimming” or “我在游泳” (Wǒ zài yóu yǒng). On the other hand, Japanese verbs can be altered depending on aspects such as tense, negation, and politeness level. For example, some forms of “to eat” include: 

Japanese	Meaning	Formality
食べます (tabemasu)	To eat	Formal
食べません (tabemasen)	Don’t eat	Formal
食べました (tabemashita)	Ate	Formal
食べる (taberu)	To eat	Informal
食べない (tabenai)	Don’t eat	Informal
食べた (tabeta)	Ate	Informal

As you can see, there are many different ways in which verbs can be conjugated in Japanese! Saying “to eat” in Chinese, on the other hand, would simply be 吃 (chī), regardless of any and all factors which may influence Japanese conjugation. 

Vocabulary and Share Words: Japanese vs. Chinese Characters  

Many Japanese characters are borrowed from Chinese logograms (kanji), intrinsically linking certain parts of Japanese vocabulary with those of Chinese.  

Surprisingly, Japanese features far more foreign loan words (katakana) than Chinese, with Chinese placing more emphasis on translating the meaning of the word rather than the sounds produced. As a result, certain Kanji can be recognized by Chinese speakers, and borrowed words such as テレビ (terebi), カメラ (kamera), and ホテル (hoteru) can be understood by English speakers, giving Japanese vocabulary much more foreign influence than Chinese vocabulary. 

In the case of Kanji, however, pronunciation may differ from its Chinese origins. A few of these “false friends” include:

Logograph	Chinese	Japanese
老婆	Lǎo pó (wife)	Rouba (old woman)
汽車	Qì chē (car)	Densha (train)
走	Zǒu (to walk)	Hashiru (to run)
床	Chuáng (bed)	Yuka (floor)

Similarities Between Chinese and Japanese Languages 

While both Chinese and Japanese may have many differences from one another, there are also a few noteworthy similarities that the two languages share. As discussed previously, a sizable portion of Japanese words are derived from Chinese logograms, oftentimes with shared meanings even if the pronunciation differs. Examples of this include: 

English	Kanji	Japanese (JP)	Chinese (CN)
Person	人	hito	rén
Mountain	山	yama	shān
Fire	火	hi	huǒ
Fish	魚	sakana	yú

Another similarity between Japanese and Chinese languages is the name order placement, with the family name coming before the first name in both introductions and in writing. 

Additionally, the use of measure words is a commonality shared between Chinese and Japanese, which is a concept that classifies the specific objects or things that are being counted. For example, when counting people, instead of using the generic numberings of ichi (1), ni (2), san (3) in Japanese or yī (1), èr (2), sān (3) in Chinese, there is a specific counting system that the category of “people” falls under. Hitori, futari, sannin, and so on, and yī rén, liǎng ge rén, sān ge rén, and so on are the counting systems that would be used to count people in Japanese and Chinese, respectively. 

So, Which is Easier? Chinese or Japanese Language?

Now that we have done a deep dive into Chinese and Japanese languages, it boils down to the question: which one is easier?

Both the Chinese and Japanese languages have their fair share of language-specific and common difficulties, so learning each will be a rewarding challenge for those who are willing to tackle it head-on. However, taking into account all the factors we have discussed in this article and our comparisons of the two languages, the question of “which language is more difficult?” ultimately boils down to two categories: speaking and writing. 

In relation to speaking, Chinese is more difficult than Japanese due to the complex tones, which require hard work and discipline to be able to master and discern during spoken conversation. 

Japanese, on the other hand, is not reliant on tone and is easier to speak and understand, with more leeway in terms of context clues and less need for a trained ear. On the other hand, in terms of writing, Japanese is more challenging than Chinese due to the three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, kanji) and more complex grammar and sentence structure. Being already familiar with Chinese will give you a helpful upper hand! Check out our article detailing the unique relationship between understanding Chinese and learning Japanese.

Which Language Should You Learn?

Both Chinese and Japanese are challenging yet rewarding languages to learn, and both will offer you great satisfaction. So, which one should you study? If you are planning on living, studying, or working in either China or Japan, then you should learn the native language of the respective country. 

Chinese language is a great choice if you plan on going into business, economics, or international relations due to its global dominance and power. Japanese, on the other hand, is an amazing choice due to its worldwide influence in the entertainment, media, technology, and pop culture spheres. Or if you simply want to learn a language for fun, then both are great options!

Conclusion

Both Chinese and Japanese are becoming increasingly popular languages to learn, and Japan is quickly emerging as a top destination for people looking to build their careers.

The good news? If you’re a native Chinese speaker, learning Japanese can be easier than you think! That’s where Coto Academy’s Intensive Japanese Lessons come in.

Our programs are designed to support learners at every level, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. With experienced teachers, immersive lessons, and a clear, step-by-step approach, you’ll strengthen your grammar, expand your vocabulary, and gain confidence using Japanese in real-life situations. Chinese learners can also take full advantage of their kanji knowledge while focusing on areas that need extra attention.

And for English speakers deciding between learning Japanese or Chinese, why not start your journey with Coto Academy? If you choose to learn Japanese, join our well-balanced lessons that focus on every aspect of the language: grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading, and listening — all while getting plenty of conversation practice.

Why join Coto Academy?

• Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
• Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
• School locations in Shibuya, Minato, Iidabashi, and Yokohama, plus a fully online Japanese language school, so that you can learn anywhere, anytime!

FAQ

How different are the Chinese and Japanese languages?

Chinese and Japanese are very different languages, even though Japanese borrows a large amount of Chinese logograms. The Kanji pronunciation of these logograms often differs greatly from the pronunciation in Chinese. Chinese also follows the SVO order, while Japanese follows the SOV order in terms of sentence structure. Additionally, Chinese utilizes complex yet subtle tonal changes to convey the meaning of a word, while Japanese utilizes pitch to a lesser extent. 

Can a Chinese person understand a Japanese person?

No, a native Chinese speaker and a native Japanese speaker would have a lot of difficulty understanding each other. Chinese is heavily reliant on tones to convey meaning, which makes it quite a lot different from Japanese, which is more based on pitch. Similarly, Japanese Kanji can be pronounced differently from the Chinese pronunciation, even if the logograph itself conveys the same meaning. 

What is the 80/20 rule in Japanese?

The 80/20 rule is the idea that if you know approximately 20% of the Japanese language, you will be able to get by in 80% of scenarios in Japan. If you understand even a quarter of the language, navigating Japanese life will become much easier and smoother.

What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese characters?

The Chinese language utilizes one system (hanzi), while the Japanese language uses three systems (hiragana, katakana, and kanji)  for its writing systems.

Apples and oranges. Walking and running. Swiftly and slowly. In English, connecting ideas is usually as simple as inserting the word “and” between two items. But in Japanese, expressing “and” is a bit more nuanced. 

In fact, the language offers multiple ways to connect words, phrases, and even full sentences. This depends on what you’re linking: nouns, verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses. For instance, the casual と (to) is one of the most straightforward ways to say “and,” but it can only be used to link nouns. 

This guide is your roadmap to mastering all the different ways to say “and” in Japanese. By the end, you’ll not only know which “and” to use in each situation but also understand why native speakers make those choices. So, get ready to move beyond the simple と (to) and explore the variety of connectors.

1. と (To)

Structure: Noun 1 + と + Noun 2

The simplest way to connect two nouns in Japanese is with と (to). It functions like the English conjunction “and.” r. However, と (to) cannot connect adjectives, verbs, clauses, or sentences. It is strictly for nouns.

When you link two nouns with と (to), you’re essentially pairing them together. If you want to express a contrast, you will need to use a different word in Japanese, such as でも or しかし.

シャツとズボン。
Shatsu to zubon.
Shirt and pants. 

You can extend this pattern to include more nouns:

シャツとズボンと靴。
Shatsu to zubon to kutsu.
Shirt and pants, and shoes.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that と (to) is generally used to link a fixed, closed list of items. It highlights each item individually, rather than suggesting an open-ended or indefinite series — as in, it is just those items, and nothing else. There’s no implication of additional, unmentioned items.

For example, if you are going to a trial gym, they might say: 

タオルと水と運動靴を持ってきてください。
Taoru to mizu o mottekite kudasai.

Please bring a towel and water.

2. や (Ya)

Structure: Noun 1 + や + Noun 2

While と (to) is used for a closed, fixed list of items, sometimes you want to imply that there are more items beyond the ones you mention. In this case, you use や (ya). Like と (to), や (ya) is used only to connect nouns and cannot be used with adjectives, verbs, or clauses.

You insert や (ya) between nouns to list them, and using it suggests that the list is not exhaustive. For example:

In this sentence, you’re saying that you like cakes and pudding, but there are likely other desserts you enjoy as well. Because や (ya) implies that there are additional items not mentioned, it is often paired with など (nado), which functions like “etc.” in English and typically comes after the last noun in the list. For example:

ケーキやプリンやクッキーなどが好きです。
Keeki ya purin ya kukkii nado ga suki desu.
I like cakes, pudding, cookies, etc.

This construction makes it clear that the list is non-exhaustive. Using the same trial gym scenario:

タオルや水や運動靴などを持ってきてください。
Taoru ya mizu ya undougutsu nado o mottekite kudasai.
Please bring a towel, water, sneakers, etc.

Using や (ya) … など (nado) indicates that these are just examples, and you could bring additional items as well—perhaps similar items like a gym shirt or grip socks.

In short, use や (ya) when you want to connect multiple nouns while signaling that there are more items beyond what you’ve listed, unlike と (to), which links a specific, closed set of nouns.

3. も (Mo)

Structure: Noun 1 + も + Noun 2

Technically, the Japanese particle も (mo) usually means “also” or “too,” but it can also be used to link nouns together in a way that expresses “and” in Japanese. The key difference between も (mo) and と (to) or や (ya) is that も (mo) carries the nuance of “and also” or “both,” rather than just listing items. In other words, も (mo) is used when you are adding another item to a statement, emphasizing that each item shares the same quality or feeling.

For example:

ケーキもプリンも好きです。
Keeki mo purin mo suki desu.
I like both cakes and pudding.

Here, も (mo) highlights that you like both items, not just one of them. It’s a great way to express that multiple things share the same characteristic or sentiment, giving a sense of inclusion rather than simply enumerating items.

4. Verb ～て

Structure: Verb 1 (て-form) + Verb 2

So far, we’ve discussed the different ways to say “and” in Japanese for nouns, but what if you want to connect verbs? The easiest and most common method is using the verb て-form. When combining two or more verbs, you convert all verbs except the last one into the -て (-te) form.

For example:

家に帰ったら、シャワーを浴びて、晩ご飯を食べたいです。
Ie ni kaettara, shawaa o abite, bangohan o tabetai desu.
After I go home, I want to shower and eat dinner.

Here, the first action, “showering,” is converted into the -て form (浴びて), which links it to the next action, “eating dinner” (食べたい). 

An important thing to remember is that linking verbs with the -て form indicate a sequence of events that follow a specific order. In casual situations, switching the order might not seem like a big deal, but if you are giving precise instructions, the order of actions becomes crucial. You need to list the first step or action first, followed by the next in the correct sequence.

For example, imagine giving instructions for a simple morning routine:

手を洗って、顔を洗って、それから朝ご飯を食べてください。
Te o aratte, kao o aratte, sore kara asagohan o tabete kudasai.
First, wash your hands, then wash your face, and finally eat breakfast.

Here, the order matters: washing your face comes after washing your hands, and eating breakfast comes last. 

Additionally, conjugating a Japanese verb from its dictionary form to the -て form is not one-size-fits-all. In Japanese, verbs are categorized into three main groups, and each group has its own rules for forming the -て form.

Verb Group	Rule for -て Form	Example Verb	-て Form
Group 1 (Godan verbs)	く→いてぐ→いです→してぶ/む/ぬ→んでる/つ→って	書く (kaku)	書いて (kaite)
Group 2 (Ichidan verbs)	Drop -る and add -て	食べる (taberu)	食べて (tabete)
Group 3 (Irregular verbs)	Memorize unique forms	する (suru)来る (kuru)	して (shite), 来て (kite)

By learning the -て form (-te form), you can connect actions naturally in Japanese, like saying “I showered and ate dinner” or “I studied and went shopping.” Ready to put this into practice? At Coto Academy, you’ll get hands-on experience using verbs, particles, and connectors in real-life situations. Sign up for a class and start speaking confidently — whether in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online from the comfort of your home!

If you want a more detailed guide on how to conjugate a Japanese verb from its dictionary form into the -て form, check out our full article: Conjugating Verb-て Form in Japanese.

5. ～たり～たり (~ Tari ~Tari)

Structure: Verb (past tense) た-form + り + Verb (past tense) た-form + り + する

When you use the -て form to connect verbs in Japanese, it implies that the actions happen in a specific order or sequence. However, if you want to link verbs with “and” without indicating any particular order, you’ll use the grammar pattern ～たり～たり (tari tari).

In short, ～たり～たり (tari tari) is used to list multiple actions or states in a random, non-sequential way, when you just want to give examples of things you did, without focusing on what came first. Let’s take a look at an example below!

週末は映画を見たり、本を読んだり、散歩したりします。
Shuumatsu wa eiga o mitari, hon o yondari, sanpo shitari shimasu.
I spend my weekends watching movies, reading books, and taking walks (among other things).

The order in which these activities happen is left vague due to the use of たり (tari). It could mean this person watched a movie first, then read a book, or maybe went for a walk first.

If this sentence were written using the -て form, it would imply a stricter order of events.

Because of this flexibility, たりたり (tari tari) is an excellent structure for listing multiple examples of actions or experiences.

This grammar pattern is created by conjugating verbs into their た-form (ta-form) and then attaching り (ri). Just like with the te-form, verbs are divided into three groups (Godan, Ichidan, and Irregular), and their ta-form conjugation follows specific rules. You finish the sentence by appending the last Verb-たり with する (suru) or します (shimasu).

Example pattern:

• 食べます → 食べた → 食べたり (tabemasu → tabeta → tabetari)
• 行きます → 行った → 行ったり (ikimasu → itta → ittari)

You can also use たりたり (tari tari) in the past tense by changing the final verb (usually する) into しました (shimashita). Because the たりたり structure focuses on examples rather than order, it’s also very common to use it when talking about what you did over the weekend, on vacation, or during a specific event.

日曜日は買い物をしたり、料理をしたりしました。
Nichiyoubi wa kaimono o shitari, ryouri o shitari shimashita.
On Sunday, I did things like shopping and cooking.

6. ~くて and で (~Kute and ~De)

In Japanese, connecting multiple adjectives isn’t as straightforward as simply saying “beautiful and smart” in English. To link adjectives with “and,” Japanese uses different endings depending on the type of adjective. 

Adjectives in Japanese are classified into two types: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. I-adjectives generally end in い (i). Na-adjectives do not usually do not end in い (i), although some words are exceptions, like 綺麗 (kirei). 

I-Adjectives

I-adjectives generally end in い (i). To connect an i-adjective with another adjective, replace the final い (i) with くて (-kute).

For example, the Japanese adjective 素晴らしい (subarashii), which means “amazing,” would become 素晴らしくて (subarashiikute). 

この映画はおもしろくて、すばらしいです。

Kono eiga wa subarashiikute omoshiroi desu.
This movie is amazing and interesting.

Na adjective

For adjectives that end in -だ (-da) or -な (-na), linking them with “and” is relatively straightforward. You simply attach で (-de) to the end of the adjective. We recommend first checking out our guide on i-adjectives and na-adjectives, as some na-adjectives end with い (i) as an exception

For example, the word pretty in Japanese, 綺麗 (kirei), ends in i, but is boxed as a な-adjective, so it becomes 綺麗で when you link it with another word. 

この部屋は静かできれいです。
Kono heya wa shizuka de kirei desu.
This room is quiet and clean.

For adjectives that end in -だ (-da) or -な (-na), linking them with “and” is relatively straightforward. You simply attach で (-de) to the end of the adjective.

We recommend first checking out our guide on i-adjectives and na-adjectives, as some na-adjectives end with い (i) as exceptions.
この部屋は広くて静かできれいです。
Kono heya wa hirokute shizuka de kirei desu.
This room is spacious, quiet, and clean.

Here, 広い (hiroi) is an i-adjective, so it becomes 広くて (hirokute), and 静か (shizuka) is a na-adjective, so it becomes 静かで (shizuka de). 

7. し

Word Type	StructureStructure
Verb	Verb (dictionary form) + し
I-Adjective	Adjective (i-form) + し
Na-Adjective	Adjective (na-form) + だし
Noun	Noun + だし

The particle し (shi) is another way to express “and” in Japanese, but it carries a slightly different nuance than the others we’ve covered. Rather than simply linking two ideas, し (shi) adds an emphatic or explanatory tone. It’s often used when you want to list multiple reasons, qualities, or examples, with the feeling of “and what’s more” or “not only… but also…”.

Think of it as a way to build up information or justify a statement.

天気もいいし、公園に行こう！
Tenki mo ii shi, kouen ni ikou!
The weather’s nice, so let’s go to the park!

Here, し (shi) connects the good weather to the speaker’s decision. It implies that the nice weather is one of several reasons (maybe they also have free time or just feel like going out), even if those reasons aren’t said out loud.

You can also use し (shi) to talk about someone or something that has several positive (or even negative) traits.

日本は食べ物もおいしいし、人もやさしいです。
Nihon wa tabemono mo oishii shi, hito mo yasashii desu.
Japan has delicious food, and the people are kind too.

Compared to simply using the -て form (like おいしくて、やさしい), し (shi) adds more emotion. It feels like you’re emphasizing how great Japan is for many reasons, not just listing facts.

Of course, し (shi) has additional uses beyond simply connecting words with “and.” One important function is to indicate a reason or cause. When combined with んだ (nda), it can add a sense of explanation, often used when giving advice or justifying something.

For example, you might want to explain why you can’t go out:

疲れてるし、今日は早く帰ろうと思うんだ。
Tsukareteru shi, kyou wa hayaku kaerou to omou nda.
I’m tired, so I’m thinking of going home early today.

In situations where the reason is unfavorable or inconvenient, it’s also common to add で (de) for emphasis, stressing the negative aspect of the situation.

Another nuance of し is its use in casual conversation to trail off a sentence. You can end a sentence with し without finishing it, leaving the rest implied. This is especially useful if you want to decline politely or hint at other reasons without stating them directly.

For example, if someone asks you on a date but you don’t want to go, you might say:

明日も仕事があるし…
Ashita mo shigoto ga aru shi…
I also have work tomorrow, and…

Here, the trailing し implies there are other reasons as well, but you don’t have to say them. It’s a subtle, natural way to soften your response and avoid being too direct, which is considered more polite in Japanese culture.

Other Ways to Say “And” in Japanese

Besides particles like と (to), や (ya), and structures like ～て, Japanese also uses sentence connectors to link ideas, sentences, or actions smoothly. These connectors don’t always translate directly as “and,” but the nuance they carry often makes them the natural choice in context.

One of the most common is そして (soshite). Literally, it means “and then” or simply “and,” and it’s used to connect sentences or clauses rather than individual words. It often signals a sequence of events or adds additional information.

For example:

私は朝ご飯を食べました。そして、学校に行きました。
Watashi wa asagohan o tabemashita. Soshite, gakkou ni ikimashita.
I ate breakfast. And then, I went to school.

Other connectors like その上 (sono ue), それに (soreni), and さらに (sarani) are often used to add information, carrying meanings similar to “and also” or “on top of that.” These are useful when you want to emphasize extra points or reasons:

Example:

このレストランは料理がおいしいです。その上、店員さんも親切です。
Kono resutoran wa ryouri ga oishii desu. Sono ue, ten’in-san mo shinsetsu desu.
This restaurant’s food is delicious. On top of that, the staff is kind.

And That’s a Wrap!

By using these particles and sentence-level connectors, you can create smooth, natural Japanese sentences that link ideas clearly and even add emphasis when needed.

Of course, learning Japanese is more than just knowing how to say “and.” As we explored above, it’s important to conjugate verbs correctly, expand your vocabulary, and master other grammar points to communicate naturally.

Why not take your learning further at Coto Academy? Join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online. Here, the focus is on practical, conversational Japanese, helping you use what you learn in real-life situations from day one.

Why join Coto Academy?

• Over  60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
• Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional, native Japanese teachers
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FAQ

What is the easiest way to say “and” in Japanese?

The simplest way to say “and” in Japanese is to use the particle と (to). It connects two nouns in a fixed list.

What’s the difference between と (to) and や (ya)?

While と lists a fixed, complete set of nouns, や (ya) is used for non-exhaustive lists, implying there are other items not mentioned. 

How does し (shi) work as “and” in Japanese?

し (shi) is used to emphasize reasons, qualities, or multiple points, similar to “and what’s more” or “not only… but also” in English. It can follow verbs, adjectives, or nouns (with だし for na-adjectives and nouns).

What are sentence-level connectors like そして, それに, and さらに?

For linking whole sentences, connectors like そして (soshite), それに (soreni), その上 (sono ue), and さらに (sarani) are often used. They function like “and then,” “and also,” or “on top of that” in English.

Just started learning Japanese? You might be interested in checking out:

• Japanese Writing System: Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji
• Basic Japanese Words to Know
• 10 Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know