etcétera
/etθeteɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "etcetera" is translated into Spanish as etcétera.
etcétera is a term used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that are not mentioned.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrases y cosas por el estilo or y cosas así to express "etcetera".
How do you pronounce it?
/etθeteɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the abbreviation etc, do not add the word etcétera after it, as this would be redundant. For example, avoid writing etc., etcétera.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, it is considered grammatically incorrect to put the conjunction y before etcétera because the word already contains the Latin root for 'and'.
- Spanish speakers may use etcétera sarcastically to imply that the list of someone's faults or mistakes is too long to possibly name.
- While English speakers often use 'and so on' as a synonym for 'etcetera', Spanish speakers may use y así sucesivamente to specifically emphasize a repetitive or mathematical pattern.
Examples in context
- En la reunión de hoy se trataron temas importantes como las finanzas, la gestión de recursos humanos, y así sucesivamente.In today's meeting, important topics such as finances, human resources management, and so on were discussed.
- El contrato incluye la responsabilidad de realizar labores de limpieza, mantenimiento, y demás.The contract includes the responsibility to perform cleaning, maintenance, and other related tasks.
- Fui a la tienda y compré leche, pan y lo demás.I went to the store and bought milk, bread, and the rest.
- Fui de compras y compré ropa, zapatos, accesorios, y todo eso.I went shopping and bought clothes, shoes, accessories, and all that.
- Traje manzanas, peras, uvas, etcétera.I brought apples, pears, grapes, etcetera.
- Necesitamos lápices, cuadernos, gomas, etcétera.We need pencils, notebooks, erasers, etcetera.
- En la tienda venden platos, vasos, copas, etcétera.In the store they sell plates, glasses, goblets, etcetera.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are making a shopping list at home.
- Alejandro¿Qué falta en la cocina, Sofía?What is missing in the kitchen, Sofía?
- SofíaFalta sal, pimienta, aceite, etcétera.Salt, pepper, oil, etcetera are missing.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que compre todo ahora?Do you want me to buy everything now?
- SofíaSí, por favor, Alejandro.Yes, please, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
