et cætera
The English phrase 'et cetera' is expressed in French as et cætera.
The phrase is used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that are not mentioned.
Which one should you use?
While et cætera is the full phrase, it is very commonly abbreviated as etc. in written French.
Did you know?
- While etc. is used in writing, French speakers often use the phrase et patati et patata to mock someone who is rambling or listing too many boring details.
- It is considered a grammatical error in formal French to write et etc, as the et is already built into the Latin meaning of et cætera.
- In spoken French, the t in et is always silent, meaning et cætera sounds like 'eh cetera' rather than 'et cetera'.
Examples in context
- Il aime les sports, la musique, et ainsi de suiteHe likes sports, music, and so forth
- Elle collectionne des timbres, des pièces de monnaie, et tout çaShe collects stamps, coins, and so on
- Elle aime les comédies, les thrillers, et tout çaShe likes comedies, thrillers, and all that
- Il y a des pommes, des poires, et cætera.There are apples, pears, et cetera.
- Nous avons acheté des stylos, des cahiers, et cætera.We bought pens, notebooks, et cetera.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are planning a trip.
- ChloéQu'est-ce qu'on doit emporter ?What do we need to bring?
- NathanTon passeport, ton chargeur, et cætera.Your passport, your charger, et cetera.
- ChloéEst-ce que je dois prendre un parapluie ?Should I take an umbrella?
- NathanOui, c'est une bonne idée, Nathan.Yes, that is a good idea, Nathan.
