Buenos días! Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? One common phrase we often use in English is “so on”, which implies continuation or providing examples. In Spanish, there isn’t an exact translation for this phrase, but fear not! We have alternative ways to convey the same meaning. Whether you need to express yourself formally or informally, we are here to guide you through different options. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Informal Expressions for “So on”
If you’re in a casual conversation or chatting with friends, it’s time to learn some colloquial expressions to cover the meaning of “so on”.
1.1 “Y así sucesivamente”
One way to express “so on” casually is by using the phrase “y así sucesivamente” which directly translates to “and so on”. It’s a simple and effective expression to indicate that you’re continuing a list or providing further examples. For example:
Compré frutas como manzanas, bananas, naranjas y así sucesivamente.
(I bought fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and so on.)
1.2 “Y todo eso”
Another commonly used expression is “y todo eso” which translates to “and all that”. This phrase is ideal for emphasizing that there are many other similar things or ideas. Check out this example:
Fui de compras y encontré ropa, zapatos, accesorios y todo eso.
(I went shopping and found clothes, shoes, accessories, and all that.)
1.3 “Etcétera”
If you prefer a more concise way of expressing “so on”, you can use the word “etcétera” or “etc.” It is a borrowed term from Latin and it means “and the rest” or “and so on” in English. However, Spanish speakers tend to use it less frequently in informal contexts. Here’s an example:
Mis pasatiempos son el fútbol, el tenis, leer, bailar, etcétera.
(My hobbies are soccer, tennis, reading, dancing, and so on.)
2. Formal Expressions for “So on”
Now let’s move on to formal expressions you can use in professional or more serious situations. These phrases are better suited when speaking to your boss, clients, or in a formal written context.
2.1 “Y así sucesivamente”
The expression “y así sucesivamente” which we discussed earlier also works perfectly in formal settings. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in both informal and formal situations.
2.2 “Y demás”
In more formal contexts, it’s common to use the expression “y demás” which translates to “and others” or “and the rest”. This phrase conveys a similar meaning to “so on” without sounding too informal. For example:
Mi profesora enseña matemáticas, ciencias naturales, geografía y demás.
(My teacher teaches math, natural sciences, geography, and so on.)
3. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and while most expressions are understood universally, there might be minor regional variations. We will now discuss a couple of them:
3.1 “Y todo lo que venga”
In some Latin American countries, like Mexico, a common phrase that conveys the meaning of “so on” is “y todo lo que venga” which translates to “and everything that comes”. This phrase is a more informal variation but is still widely understood. Here’s an example:
Compré varios ingredientes para la cena: carne, verduras, especias y todo lo que venga.
(I bought several ingredients for dinner: meat, vegetables, spices, and so on.)
3.2 “Etcétera”
While “etcétera” is more widely used in formal contexts, it’s worth mentioning that in some regions like Spain, you might hear people use the abbreviation “etc.” informally as well. Keep in mind that this usage may vary depending on the region.
Conclusion
Fantástico! You’ve learned several ways to express “so on” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember, “y así sucesivamente” and “y todo eso” are versatile phrases, suitable for various contexts. In more formal situations, opt for “y demás”. Additionally, if you encounter regional variations, such as “y todo lo que venga” or informally using “etc.” in certain regions, just embrace the local flavor.
Vocabulary is a crucial part of learning a language, so practice these phrases regularly to become comfortable using them. ¡Buena suerte!
