並びに

• Reading: ならびに
• Romaji: narabini
• Kanji breakdown: 並 (nara) — line up, be equal, ordinary
• Pronunciation: /na.ɾa.bi.ni/

Meaning

And (also); both ... and; as well as. A formal conjunction connecting items of equal importance.

A formal conjunction used to link nouns or noun phrases, similar to 及び (oyobi) but slightly different in nuance. While 及び connects items of the same category, 並びに often connects larger groupings or items at a higher level. Primarily found in legal, official, and academic writing. In everyday speech, と or そして are preferred.

Examples

1. 会長並びに副会長がその式典に出席した。 The chairperson as well as the vice chairperson attended the ceremony.
2. 本規約は会員並びにその家族に適用される。 These terms apply to members and their families.
3. 応募書類並びに写真を期限までにお送りください。 Please send your application documents and photo by the deadline.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, official documents, academic writing, ceremonies

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 並び (narabi, lining up/row) + に (ni, particle). The idea of 'items lined up together' evolved into a formal coordinating conjunction meaning 'and also.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal