Korean has three particles for "and" connecting nouns, varying by formality:
와/과 — Formal/written (와 after vowels, 과 after consonants)
하고 — Standard spoken
(이)랑 — Casual/friendly (이랑 after consonants, 랑 after vowels)
All three also mean "with" when connecting people.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Register matters
- 와/과 = formal writing, news, presentations
- 하고 = everyday conversation, neutral
- (이)랑 = casual talk with friends, texting
All three mean "with" for people
- 친구**와** 영화 봤어요 (formal)
- 친구**하고** 영화 봤어요 (standard)
- 친구**랑** 영화 봤어요 (casual)
Combining forms sounds awkward
- ❌ 사과와 바나나하고 오렌지
- ✅ 사과하고 바나나하고 오렌지
Bread and milk
I went shopping with mom.
I hung out with my brother.
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