इत्यादि
ityadi
The English phrase 'etc' is translated into Hindi as इत्यादि (ityadi).
इत्यादि is used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that have not been mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The word इत्यादि is a compound of इति, meaning 'thus' or 'so' and आदि, meaning 'beginning' or 'etcetera', literally translating to 'thus and so on'.
Which one should you use?
While इत्यादि is a complete word, you may also see the shorter form आदि used to mean 'etc.' in lists.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
इत्यादि is a formal term and is more common in written Hindi than in casual spoken conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
ityadi
Did you know?
- In spoken Hindi, the phrase वगैरह ('vagairah') is far more common than इत्यादि for saying 'etc'. This alternative comes from Arabic and Persian influences rather than Sanskrit.
- The word आदि inside इत्यादि can also mean 'original' or 'primitive' when used in a different context, such as describing the 'first' humans.
- The word इति is famously used in ancient Indian texts to mark the absolute end of a chapter or a book, essentially acting as 'the end'.
Examples in context
- मेरी किताबें, नोटबुक, आदि उसके कार्यालय में हैं।My books, notebooks, etc., are at his office.
- मुझे कुछ फल खरीदने हैं – सेब, केला, संतरा, आम, आदि।I need to buy some fruits – apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, etc.
- बाज़ार से फल, सब्ज़ी इत्यादि ले आना।Bāzār se phal, sabzī ityādi le ā nā.Bring fruits, vegetables, etc., from the market.
- मुझे पेन, पेंसिल इत्यादि चाहिए।Mujhe pen, pencil ityādi chāhiye.I need pens, pencils, etc.
- वहाँ कुर्सी, मेज़ इत्यादि रखे हैं।Vahā̃ kursī, mez ityādi rakhe haiṃ.Chairs, tables, etc., are kept there.
Example conversation
Amit and Anjali are discussing the shopping list for a party.
- अमित Amitअंजलि, क्या हमें चिप्स, बिस्कुट इत्यादि चाहिए?Anjali, kyā hamein chips, biscuit ityādi chāhiye?Anjali, do we need chips, biscuits, etc.?
- अंजलि Anjaliहाँ, अमित, और कोल्ड ड्रिंक भी ले लेना।Hā̃, Amit, aur cold drink bhī le lenā.Yes, Amit, and get some cold drinks too.
- अमित Amitठीक है, मैं सब सामान ले आऊँगा।Ṭhīk hai, maiṃ sab sāmān le āūngā.Okay, I will bring all the items.
- अंजलि Anjaliशुक्रिया, अमित!Shukriyā, Amit!Thank you, Amit!
