など
nado
The English phrase "etc." is expressed in Japanese using など (nado).
など is an abbreviation used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that have not been mentioned. It is versatile and can be used when referring to both people and objects.
Which one should you use?
While など is a standard way to express "etc.", the phrase といった provides a more formal way to say "such as" when you are providing examples. Additionally, if you intend to use "etc." to modify a noun that follows it, you must use the form などの.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual settings, young people often use the informal version とか or the repetitive などなど to add emphasis to the idea of "etc." For formal writing and official documents, the kanji version 等 is used instead of the hiragana など. In very formal contexts, the phrase その他 can be used to mean "others" or "the rest."
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle など can be placed after a single noun to imply that the noun is just one example of a larger group.
How do you pronounce it?
nado
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers may use など to soften a request or a statement to avoid sounding too direct or demanding.
- In formal Japanese documents, など is written with the kanji 等, which also means 'equal' or 'class' in other contexts.
- While など is neutral, the casual alternative とか is often used by speakers as a filler word similar to 'like' in English.
Examples in context
- 本や雑誌などを読むI read books, magazines, etc.
- 学校で数学やら英語やらを勉強するI study subjects like math, English, etc. at school.
- 野菜や果物などその他の食材も買ってきてくださいPlease also buy other ingredients like vegetables, fruits, etc.
- 映画館で映画とか、カフェでコーヒーとかを楽しむEnjoy movies at the cinema, coffee at cafes, etc.
- 学校で勉強する科目は数学や英語ほかにもたくさんあるIn addition to math and English, there are many other subjects to study at school.
- 机の上にはペンやノートなどがあります。Tsukue no ue ni wa pen ya nōto nado ga arimasu.There are pens, notebooks, etc., on the desk.
- 週末は掃除や洗濯などをして過ごします。Shūmatsu wa sōji ya sentaku nado o shite sugoshimasu.On weekends, I spend my time doing things like cleaning and laundry, etc.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing what to buy at the supermarket.
- 結衣 Yui卵や牛乳など、何か買っておく？Tamago ya gyūnyū nado, nanika katte oku?Should we buy something like eggs, milk, etc.?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。パンも買っておこう。Sō dane. Pan mo katte okō.That's a good idea. Let's buy bread too.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、買い物リストはある？Ren-kun, kaimono risuto wa aru?Ren, do you have a shopping list?
- 蓮 Renうん、これに書いてあるよ。Un, kore ni kaite aru yo.Yeah, it's written on this.
