Conjunctions: 并 & 以及
连接词或词组：并²、以及
Use 并 and 以及 to link words, phrases, and actions in formal Chinese
并 connects two verb phrases to show parallel or sequential actions, often in formal contexts. 以及 connects the last item in a list, functioning like "as well as" or "and" in formal enumeration.
并 is more formal than 也 or 又 for connecting actions. 以及 is more formal than 和 for connecting nouns or noun phrases. Both belong to written and formal spoken Chinese.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Conjunctions: 并 & 以及 (连接词或词组：并²、以及)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 连接词或词组：并²、以及 pattern
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Understanding 连接词或词组：并²、以及
At HSK 4, you need connectors that go beyond the basic 和 (and) you learned earlier. 并 (bìng) connects verb phrases — it links two actions performed by the same subject, often implying that both happened together or in sequence. When you say 他们同意并支持我们的建议, 并 elegantly joins "agreed" and "supported." It is much more polished than saying 他们同意，也支持. 以及 (yǐjí) connects noun phrases — it is the formal "and" used especially before the last item in a list. When you say 小王、小李以及另外三名同学, 以及 introduces the final group in the enumeration, like "as well as" in English. Together, these two connectors let you build longer, more sophisticated sentences. 并 is your formal verb linker, and 以及 is your formal noun linker.
Key Points
- 并 (bìng) = "and / moreover" — links verb phrases in formal register.
- 以及 (yǐjí) = "as well as / and" — links nouns or noun phrases, typically before the last item.
- 并 emphasizes that two actions go together or are equally important.
- 以及 is more formal than 和; use 和 in casual speech and 以及 in writing.
- 并 is often seen in official statements: 批准并公布 (approved and published).
- 以及 can connect longer phrases: 经济发展以及社会进步 (economic development as well as social progress).
In Chinese government documents and formal announcements, 并 and 以及 appear constantly. Mastering them helps you read official notices, academic papers, and business communications — all essential for advanced Chinese literacy.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他们同意并支持我们的建议。
They agreed with and supported our proposal.
小王、小李以及另外三名同学都通过了考试。
Xiao Wang, Xiao Li, as well as three other classmates, all passed the exam.
公司决定缩减开支并提高效率。
The company decided to reduce expenses and improve efficiency.
这个项目涉及科技、教育以及医疗。
This project involves technology, education, as well as healthcare.
他认真阅读并思考了这个问题。
He carefully read and thought about this problem.
学校的老师、学生以及家长都参加了活动。
The school's teachers, students, as well as parents all participated in the activity.
政府将调查并处理这个问题。
The government will investigate and handle this problem.
Common Mistakes
并 connects verb phrases, not nouns. For connecting nouns, use 和 (casual) or 以及 (formal).
以及 connects nouns and noun phrases, not verb phrases. For linking actions, use 并.
Do not combine 并且 and 并 — they serve similar functions. Choose one.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Simple rule: 并 for VERBS, 以及 for NOUNS. This will keep you correct 90% of the time.
In casual speech, 和 and 也 do the job. Save 并 and 以及 for writing and formal occasions.
When listing three or more items, place 以及 before the last one: A、B 以及 C.
Practice reading Chinese news — you will find 并 and 以及 in almost every article.
Homework
Write four sentences using 并 to connect parallel actions in formal contexts, and four sentences using 以及 to list items formally. Try using real-world topics like school announcements, news, or work.