What it means
や connects two or more nouns or noun phrases to give an incomplete list. It means “A, B, and things like that,” showing that the examples are not the entire list. It is often used when the speaker does not need to name every item.
Usage note
や is normally used between nouns or noun phrases. Unlike と, it does not usually present a complete list. など may be added after the final item to make the incomplete-list meaning even clearer.
How to use it
私は果物や野菜を買います。
I buy fruit, vegetables, and similar things.
私は果物や野菜を買う。
I buy fruit, vegetables, and similar things.
Example sentences
スーパーでパンや牛乳を買いました。
I bought bread, milk, and things like that at the supermarket.
机の上にノートや鉛筆があります。
There are notebooks, pencils, and things like that on the desk.
旅行のかばんにシャツやくつを入れました。
I put shirts, shoes, and things like that in my travel bag.
図書館で小説や雑誌を読みました。
I read novels, magazines, and things like that at the library.