及

• Pinyin: jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 及 = 又 (hand) + 人 (person) — pictograph of catching up to someone

Meaning

And; as well as; to reach; in time. Used to connect nouns or to indicate reaching a point in time.

In formal written Chinese, 及 connects nouns or noun phrases (similar to 和/与) and implies inclusiveness. Also means 'to reach in time' (来得及, 及时). Common in legal, official, and academic writing. Rarely used in casual speech to replace 和.

Examples

1. 本协议适用于公司总部及其所有在华分支机构的日常经营活动。 This agreement applies to the company headquarters as well as all of its branches in China in their day-to-day operations.
2. 与会代表就经济发展及社会治理两大议题展开了深入而富有建设性的讨论。 The delegates held in-depth and constructive discussions on two major topics: economic development and social governance.
3. 相关部门须在规定期限内完成审核及批准程序，不得无故拖延。 The relevant departments must complete the review and approval procedures within the stipulated time limit and may not delay without cause.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, academic, official documents

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 报告涵盖了企业过去三年的财务状况及未来五年的战略发展规划，内容详尽且具有很强的参考价值。(The report covers the company's financial status over the past three years and its strategic development plan for the next five years, with detailed and highly informative content.)
• 申请人须提交本人身份证明文件及相关学历证书的经公证原件，方可完成正式报名手续。(Applicants must submit notarised originals of their identity documents and relevant academic certificates to complete the formal registration procedures.)

Don't Say

• 我及你都喜欢音乐 — use 我和你都喜欢音乐; 及 connects nouns/noun phrases in formal writing, not subjects in casual conversation

Origin & History

及 = 又 + 人 (hand reaching a person — original meaning: to reach/catch up)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal