Japanese grammar
What does ～だの～だの mean? Japanese grammar N1
～だの～だの means and so on; and what not (listing with a complaining tone).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + だの + N + だの 普通形 + だの + 普通形 + だの |
| Romaji | dano dano |
| Meaning | and so on; and what not (listing with a complaining tone) |
Forming it
| Noun | 服 + だの + 化粧品 + だの |
|---|---|
| Verb/Adjective (plain form) | 高い + だの + まずい + だの |
How to use it
Lists a few representative examples with a CRITICAL/annoyed nuance. Colloquial.
- 「～だの～だの」 lists a few representative things, with an ANNOYED/critical nuance: "what with..., and...".
- Different from 「～とか～とか」 (a neutral listing): 「だの」 almost always carries a complaining tone.
- Usually ends with 「～と言う／～と文句を言う」 or a complaint.
Examples
彼女は服だの化粧品だのにお金を使いすぎる。
She spends too much on clothes, cosmetics, and the like.
息子は高いだの狭いだのと文句ばかり言う。
My son does nothing but complain — too expensive, too cramped, and so on.
Keep in mind
- Colloquial, not used in formal writing.
- Attaches directly to a noun or the plain form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongご出席は本日だの明日だのにお願いします。
Please attend either today or tomorrow.
Correctご出席は本日か明日でお願いします。
「だの」 carries a critical/colloquial tone — it's not used in a polite, formal sentence.
-
Wrong果物はりんごだの好きです。
As for fruit, I like apples, mandarins, and the like.
Correct果物はりんごだのみかんだのが好きです。
「だの」 must come in a PAIR (at least two items listed).
Exam tips
- 「だの～だの」 = what with...and... (critical, colloquial); comes in pairs, different from the neutral 「とか」.