Japanese grammar
What does ～なんか／～なんて mean? Japanese grammar N3
～なんか／～なんて means such a thing as ~; things like ~ (casual, belittling/dismissive).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + なんか N／plain form + なんて |
| Romaji | nanka／nante |
| Meaning | such a thing as ~; things like ~ (casual, belittling/dismissive) |
Forming it
| Belittling | お金 → お金なんかいらない |
|---|---|
| Giving an example | ピアノ → ピアノなんかも弾ける |
| Before a verb/adjective | 行く → 行くなんて信じられない |
How to use it
The colloquial version of 「など」: gives an offhand example or belittles/denies the value of something.
- 「なんか」 only attaches after a NOUN; 「なんて」 can attach after a clause too: 「彼が来ないなんて、信じられない」.
- The belittling nuance is very strong: 「お金なんかいらない」 (who needs money anyway), 「私なんか」 (someone like me) — humble when used for yourself, insulting when used for someone else.
- A lighter meaning is giving an offhand example: 「週末は映画なんかどう？」 (how about a movie or something this weekend?).
Examples
お金なんかいらない。時間がほしい。
I don't need money or anything. I want time.
彼が試験に落ちたなんて、信じられない。
I can't believe he failed the exam.
Keep in mind
- Not used when talking about someone of higher status.
- Only 「なんて」 can connect to a full clause.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼が来ないなんか、信じられない。
He didn't come — it's simply unbelievable.
Correct彼が来ないなんて、信じられない。
After a clause, 「なんて」 must be used; 「なんか」 only attaches after a noun.
-
Wrong社長なんか、すごいですね。
The director is truly skilled.
Correct社長は、すごいですね。
「なんか」 belittles the subject — it's not used for a superior.
Exam tips
- 「なんか」 after a noun, 「なんて」 after a clause; both carry a belittling nuance.