JLPT N4 grammar

〜など／なんて／なんかmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. ～など: marks an example or a non-exhaustive list (A and the like)
  2. ～なんか／～なんて: singles out A as an example, often with a dismissive or surprised tone

This point is also listed at N3 · N1.

How to form it

  • nounなど/なんか/なんて
  • plain formなんて

How it is used

「など」 gives examples, “and so on”, neutrally and also in writing. 「なんか」 and 「なんて」 are spoken; they single something out, often to belittle it, sound modest, or show surprise (「雪が降るなんて」).

Examples

  1. この店は食料品、例えばバター、チーズ、砂糖などを売っている。

    This store sells groceries such as butter, cheese, and sugar.

  2. 宿題なんか、もうやりたくない！

    Homework? I don't want to do any more of it!

  3. こんなに早く雪が降るなんて、びっくりした。

    I was surprised it snowed so early.