Four conjunctions 和、与、以及 and 而且

Let's compare the usage of these four conjunctions in Mandarin Chinese:

和 (hé):

Meaning: "and"
Usage:
Connects nouns, noun phrases, or complete sentences to indicate addition or similarity.
It's used to join two or more similar elements together.

Example: 我喜欢喝茶和咖啡。(Wǒ xǐhuān hē chá hé kāfēi.) - "I like to drink tea and coffee."

与 (yǔ):

Meaning: "and" (formal usage), "with"

Usage:

More formal than "和" and often used in written language or formal contexts.

Can also mean "with" when indicating association or accompaniment.

Example: 我们一起与他讨论这个问题。(Wǒmen yīqǐ yǔ tā tǎolùn zhège wèntí.) - "We

discussed the issue with him."

以及 (yǐjí):

Meaning: "as well as", "and also"

Usage:
Used to connect multiple items, often in a list, emphasizing inclusiveness.
Often used in formal writing or announcements.

Example: 我们的公司提供了健康保险、免费午餐以及健身房会员。(Wǒmen de gōngsī

tígōng le jiànkāng bǎoxiǎn, miǎnfèi wǔcān yǐjí jiànshēnfáng huìyuán.) - "Our company
provides health insurance, free lunch, as well as gym memberships."
而且 (érqiě):

Meaning: "and", "moreover", "furthermore"

Usage:
Adds additional information or emphasizes the following clause.
Often used to connect two related ideas, with the second idea providing additional support
or explanation for the first one.

Example: 这本书不仅内容丰富，而且图文并茂。(Zhè běn shū bùjǐn nèiróng fēngfù, érqiě

túwén bìngmào.) - "This book is not only rich in content, but also beautifully illustrated."

In summary, while all four conjunctions can be translated as "and" in English, they have
nuanced differences in usage and formality in Mandarin Chinese. "和" is the most common
and general, "与" is more formal, "以及" emphasizes inclusiveness, and "而且" adds
emphasis or additional information.