以及

• Pinyin: yǐ jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 以 = pictograph suggesting a person carrying or using something, meaning 'to use' or 'by means of'; 及 = 人 (person) + 又 (hand), meaning to reach or catch up with

Meaning

As well as; and; along with. A formal conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses, typically in written Chinese.

More formal than 和 (and). Commonly used in official documents, reports, and formal writing to link items in a list. 以及 usually connects nouns or noun phrases and often appears in patterns like 'A、B以及C'. Less common in casual spoken conversation, where 和 or 还有 are preferred.

Examples

1. 这次活动邀请了老师、家长以及学生代表参加。 This event invited teachers, parents, as well as student representatives to attend.
2. 会议讨论了公司未来的发展方向以及具体的实施计划。 The meeting discussed the company's future direction as well as the specific implementation plan.
3. 报名参加比赛需要准备个人简历以及近期照片。 To register for the competition, you need to prepare a personal CV as well as a recent photo.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, academic, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请携带身份证以及学生证入场。(Please bring your ID card as well as your student card to enter.)
• 项目涉及设计、开发以及测试三个阶段。(The project involves three phases: design, development, and testing.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中频繁使用'以及'代替'和' (Avoid using 以及 frequently in casual conversation — it sounds overly formal; use 和 or 还有 instead when speaking informally)

Origin & History

A compound of 以 (by means of; up to) and 及 (to reach; and). Together they form a formal connective meaning 'and also' or 'together with'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal