Japanese grammar
What does ～など mean? Japanese grammar N3
～など means ~ and so on; such things as ~ (non-exhaustive listing).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N（、N）+ など N + などの + N |
| Romaji | nado |
| Meaning | ~ and so on; such things as ~ (non-exhaustive listing) |
Forming it
| Listing examples | 魚、果物など |
|---|---|
| Modifying a noun | 果物などの食品 |
How to use it
Lists a few representative examples, implying there are more. Also used to speak humbly or dismissively.
- Way 1 LISTING: 「魚や果物などを買った」 — usually paired with 「や」, implying there are other things too.
- Way 2 HUMBLE/DISMISSIVE: 「私などにはできません」 (someone like me couldn't do it), 「お金などいらない」 (who needs money anyway).
- Colloquially shortened to 「なんか／なんて」 (N3-123); formal writing uses 「等（など）」.
Examples
市場で魚や果物などを買いました。
I bought fish, fruit and so on at the market.
牛乳などの乳製品は冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put dairy products such as milk in the refrigerator.
Keep in mind
- Modifying a noun requires 「の」: 「などの食品」.
- The dismissive/belittling nuance is only used in casual speech.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong果物など食品を買った。
I bought food items, such as fruit, for example.
Correct果物などの食品を買った。
When modifying a noun, 「の」 is required.
-
Wrong（上司に）部長など、行けますか。
Manager, will you be able to go?
Correct（上司に）部長は行かれますか。
Attaching 「など」 to a superior carries a dismissive nuance — it's impolite.
Exam tips
- 「など」 = etc. / dismissive; modifying a noun needs 「の」, not attached to a superior.