と

と has several core functions at this level. 1) Time/condition connector: after the plain form of verbs or adjectives, it marks that the main clause happens when or as a result of the preceding clause. It often describes natural or automatic results. 2) Listing connector: used to join two nouns or noun phrases to mean “A and B.” 3) Quotation marker: attaches to the content of speech or thought when indicating what someone said or thought. In most N4 contexts you’ll see the first two functions most often. The key nuance is that と indicates a direct, natural sequence or a simple, tight connection, rather than a fully hypothetical or conditional mood. Remember that the timing/condition sense tends to imply a sense of inevitability or routine, whereas そして or それから would be used for sequencing actions with more emphasis on narrative flow.