Meaning
及 is a versatile formal word primarily meaning 'to reach' or 'to arrive at' when used as a verb. As a conjunction, it connects nouns or noun phrases meaning 'and' or 'as well as', typically in written or formal contexts. It's more literary than the everyday 和 (hé).
Usage
及 appears frequently in formal writing, official documents, and set expressions. As a conjunction, it's used to list items in a more elevated register than colloquial speech. Common in phrases like 普及 (to popularize), 涉及 (to involve), and 以及 (as well as). Native speakers rarely use it alone in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01这项政策涉及教育及医疗两个领域。.This policy involves both the education and healthcare sectors.
- 02他的成绩没有及格。.His grades didn't pass.
Common collocations
- 及时timely, in time
- 及格to pass (an exam)
- 以及as well as
- 普及to popularize
Origin
The character 及 depicts a hand reaching down to grab a person, representing the concept of 'reaching' or 'catching up to'. This original meaning extended to connecting items that are reached or included together.