etcétera
/etθeteɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'et cetera' is translated into Spanish as etcétera.
etcétera is the direct translation of 'et cetera' and is more commonly seen in written form. It is used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items.
How do you pronounce it?
/etθeteɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the abbreviation etc., you must still include the accent mark on the 'e' if you write the full word: etcétera.
Did you know?
- In spoken Spanish, etcétera is sometimes used as a standalone sarcastic response to indicate that the speaker finds a conversation repetitive or predictable.
- If you are listing people rather than objects, using etcétera can sound slightly dehumanizing. In those cases, it is more culturally appropriate to use y otros (and others) or y otras (and others) to refer to people.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ending a list with etcétera can sometimes feel a bit abrupt or even dismissive in a formal conversation. To sound more polite or engaging, one might use entre otros (among others) to imply the items are important.
Examples in context
- El evento contará con ponencias, talleres, presentaciones y demás.The event will feature lectures, workshops, presentations and more.
- El estudio abarcó temas como la salud, educación, economía y otros.The study covered topics such as health, education, economy and others.
- En el informe se detallan los resultados del estudio: población, índices económicos, migración, etcétera.The report details the results of the study: population, economic indices, migration, etc.
- Salimos a comer pizza, hamburguesas y cosas así.We went out to eat pizza, hamburgers and stuff like that.
- Me gusta leer, escribir, dibujar y tal.I like to read, write, draw and so on.
- En las tiendas encontrarás ropa, accesorios, zapatos y todo eso.In the stores you will find clothes, accessories, shoes and all that.
- Compré manzanas, peras, uvas, etcétera.I bought apples, pears, grapes, et cetera.
- En la tienda hay lápices, plumas, gomas, etcétera.In the store there are pencils, pens, erasers, et cetera.
- Estudia matemáticas, historia, biología, etcétera.Study math, history, biology, et cetera.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are planning a picnic.
- DanielDebemos llevar frutas, sándwiches, etcétera.We should bring fruit, sandwiches, etcetera.
- ElenaDe acuerdo, yo preparo las bebidas.Agreed, I will prepare the drinks.
- Daniel¿Puedes traer también servilletas y platos?Can you also bring napkins and plates?
- ElenaSí, traeré todo eso y etcétera.Yes, I will bring all that and etcetera.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
