At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to list items in Japanese. You likely first learned the particle 'to' (と), which means 'and' and is used to list every single item you want to mention. For example, 'ringo to mikan' (apples and oranges). However, as you move toward A2, you need a way to say 'and so on' so you don't have to list everything. This is where 'nado' (など) comes in. At this stage, you should use 'nado' after a noun to show that there are other things in the same category. For example, if you are talking about your bag, you can say 'hon nado' (books, etc.) to imply there are other things like pens or notebooks inside. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that 'nado' comes after the thing you are talking about. It's a very useful word for when you don't know the Japanese words for everything in a list! You can say the words you know, then add 'nado' at the end. This helps you keep the conversation going even with a limited vocabulary. It's like a 'safety net' for your sentences. Practice using it with simple categories like food, hobbies, and school items. For example, 'Sūshi nado ga suki desu' (I like sushi and such). This sounds much more natural than just listing one thing or trying to list twenty things.
At the A2 level, you should begin using 'nado' (など) in combination with the particle 'ya' (や). While 'to' is for a complete list, 'ya' is for an incomplete list. The pattern 'A ya B nado' is the standard way to provide a few examples of a category. For instance, 'Kyōto ya Nara nado ni ikimashita' (I went to Kyoto, Nara, and so on). This tells the listener that you went to those two famous places, but also perhaps some smaller towns or spots nearby. You should also start noticing how 'nado' can be followed by other particles like 'o' (object marker) or 'ga' (subject marker), though these are often omitted in casual speech. In A2, you are expected to handle daily life situations, so 'nado' is perfect for explaining your routines. Instead of saying 'I did laundry. I did cleaning. I did cooking,' you can say 'Sentaku ya sōji nado o shimashita.' This makes your Japanese flow better and sound more like a native speaker. You should also be aware that 'nado' is polite and can be used with 'desu' and 'masu'. It's a key tool for moving beyond 'robotic' Japanese and starting to express the idea of 'categories' rather than just 'individual items.' Practice making lists of your favorite things or the things you did yesterday using 'ya' and 'nado'.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable with the basic 'etcetera' function of 'nado' (など) and begin to explore its more nuanced applications. One important development at this stage is using 'nado' with nominalized verbs. Since 'nado' follows nouns, if you want to use it with an action, you must add 'koto' or 'no' after the verb. For example, 'Hon o yomu koto nado ga suki desu' (I like things like reading books). You should also start to distinguish between 'nado' and its casual counterpart 'nanka.' While 'nado' is appropriate for the workplace or talking to teachers, 'nanka' is what you will hear among friends. At B1, you are expected to participate in more detailed discussions, and 'nado' allows you to provide evidence or examples for your opinions. For instance, 'Kankyō mondai o kaiketsu suru tame ni wa, risaikuru nado ga taisetsu desu' (In order to solve environmental problems, recycling and such are important). You might also encounter 'nado' used in a slightly dismissive or humble way, though this is more common in B2. For now, focus on using it to make your explanations more professional and comprehensive. You should also notice how 'nado' is used in newspapers and news broadcasts to summarize information efficiently. Pay attention to the particles that follow 'nado' in these contexts, as they help define the grammatical role of the entire listed group.
At the B2 level, you are moving into the realms of 'humility' and 'belittling' (keigo and its opposites) where 'nado' (など) plays a significant role. You will encounter 'nado' used after oneself or one's own ideas to show modesty. For example, 'Watashi nado ni wa dekimasen' (Someone like me cannot do it). This doesn't literally mean 'me and others'; it uses the 'example' function to suggest that the speaker is just one small, insignificant example of a person. This is a vital part of Japanese social dynamics. You will also see 'nado' used in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'nado to iu' (something called... and so on) or 'nado to iwareru' (it is said that... etc.). In professional and academic writing, you should be able to use 'nado' to handle multiple variables or categories. You will also start to see the kanji version '等' (tō) in formal documents. At this level, you should be able to choose between 'nado,' 'nanka,' 'nante,' and 'tari' based on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, using 'nante' to express disbelief ('Kekkon suru nante!') versus using 'nado' to list wedding preparations. Your ability to use 'nado' to soften your tone and avoid sounding too assertive is a key marker of B2 proficiency. It allows you to present your ideas as 'just some examples' rather than 'the absolute truth,' which is highly valued in Japanese discourse.
By the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'nado' (など) as a tool for rhetorical framing. You can use it not just for listing, but to deliberately leave things vague for strategic reasons in negotiations or high-level discussions. You will understand how 'nado' functions in legal and technical texts as a 'catch-all' term to ensure that regulations apply to similar, unlisted cases. For example, in a contract, 'shiharai nado' (payments, etc.) would cover late fees, interest, and other related financial obligations not explicitly named. You should also be able to analyze the use of 'nado' in classical or high-register literature, where it might be used to create a certain atmosphere or rhythm. At this level, you are expected to understand the historical development of the word and how it relates to other particles like 'nari' or 'shika.' You can use 'nado' in the 'nado to' pattern to provide representative quotes that summarize a person's entire stance or argument. Your use of 'nado' should be flawless across all registers, from the most humble self-deprecation to the most authoritative academic assertion. You should also be sensitive to how 'nado' can be used to subtly belittle an opponent's argument in a debate by framing it as 'just one of those (insignificant) points.' Mastery at C1 means using 'nado' to navigate the complex layers of Japanese social hierarchy and indirect communication with ease.
At the C2 level, your understanding of 'nado' (など) is near-native, encompassing its most subtle nuances and its role in the architecture of the Japanese language. You recognize 'nado' as a manifestation of the 'logic of the part and the whole' that is central to Japanese thought. You can use it to construct complex, multi-layered sentences where 'nado' serves as a pivot between specific data and broad theoretical generalizations. You are adept at using 'nado' in 'Keigo' (honorifics) to maintain perfect social distance, using it to either elevate others' actions by framing them as significant examples or to humble your own by framing them as mere trifles. You understand the phonological impact of 'nado' in speech—how its placement and emphasis can change the entire mood of a sentence. You can interpret the absence of 'nado' as much as its presence; for instance, knowing when a speaker is being intentionally exhaustive and why they chose *not* to use a non-exhaustive marker. In high-level literary analysis, you can discuss how 'nado' contributes to the 'yojō' (suggestiveness) of a text. Your proficiency is such that you can use 'nado' to manipulate the 'vagueness' of Japanese to your advantage in complex diplomatic or business settings, knowing exactly how much information to provide and how much to leave to the 'nado.' At this stage, 'nado' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a vital instrument for nuanced expression and social navigation.

~など en 30 secondes

  • Means 'etcetera' or 'and so on' in Japanese.
  • Used to list examples without listing everything.
  • Commonly paired with the particle 'ya' (A ya B nado).
  • Polite and versatile for daily, business, and academic use.
The Japanese particle など (nado) is a fundamental tool for expressing non-exhaustive lists, roughly equivalent to the English phrases 'etcetera,' 'and so on,' or 'and such.' At its core, nado signals to the listener that the items mentioned are merely representatives of a larger category, and that other similar items exist but are being omitted for brevity. This is a crucial concept in Japanese communication, which often favors indirectness and leaving certain details to the imagination or context. Unlike the particle (to), which creates a closed and complete list, など opens the list up, implying a sense of 'for example.'
Grammatical Function
It functions as a postpositional particle, usually following a noun or a nominalized verb phrase. It can also follow other particles like ni or de.

机の上に本やペンなどがあります。(There are books, pens, and so on on the desk.)

In this example, the speaker highlights books and pens but acknowledges that other objects like erasers or notebooks might also be present. Beyond simple lists, nado is used in formal writing, news reports, and academic papers to provide examples of theories, symptoms, or data points. It carries a neutral to formal tone, making it versatile across various levels of politeness. In very formal contexts, it might be replaced by nado-to or (the kanji reading 等). Conversely, in casual speech, it is often softened to nanka or nante, though nado remains perfectly acceptable in polite (desu/masu) conversation. Understanding nado is about understanding the Japanese preference for categorization over enumeration. Instead of listing every fruit in a basket, a Japanese speaker will say 'apples, oranges, nado,' allowing the category 'fruit' to be understood through representative examples.

週末は掃除や洗濯などをしました。(On the weekend, I did cleaning, laundry, and such.)

Social Nuance
When used with one's own actions or possessions, nado can sometimes imply humility, suggesting that the items mentioned are minor or just a few among many.

などにはもったいないお言葉です。(Those words are too kind for someone like me.)

This secondary usage is common in Keigo (honorific speech). However, for A2 learners, the primary focus is the 'etcetera' function in lists. In summary, nado is the bridge between specific examples and general categories, providing a way to be comprehensive without being exhaustive. Whether you are talking about hobbies, shopping lists, or daily routines, nado is an essential particle for sounding fluent and nuanced in Japanese. It avoids the 'robotic' feel of listing every single item and aligns with the cultural value of brevity and implication.

日本料理には寿司や天ぷらなどがあります。(Japanese cuisine includes sushi, tempura, and so on.)

Placement
Always place nado immediately after the final noun in your list of examples, or after the single example you wish to highlight.

野菜などをたくさん食べてください。(Please eat plenty of vegetables and such.)

This usage highlights 'vegetables' as the primary example of healthy food.
Using など effectively requires understanding its interaction with other particles and its placement within different sentence structures. The most common pattern is [Noun A] ya [Noun B] nado. Here, ya acts as a partial list marker, and nado reinforces that the list is incomplete. While you can use nado without ya, combining them is the standard way to present multiple examples.
Basic Pattern
[Noun] + など. Example: Ringo nado (Apples etc.).
List Pattern
[Noun A] や [Noun B] + など. Example: Sake ya bīru nado (Sake, beer, etc.).

デパートで服や靴などを買いました。(I bought clothes, shoes, and so on at the department store.)

Another important aspect is how nado interacts with case particles like ga, o, ni, and e. In many cases, ga and o can be omitted after nado, or nado can be followed by them (e.g., nado o, nado ga). However, particles like ni, de, and to usually come *before* nado if they are part of the listed items, but *after* nado if they indicate the function of the entire list within the sentence. For verbs, nado cannot be attached directly to a verb in its dictionary form. You must first nominalize the verb using koto or no. For example, 'I like reading and such' becomes Dokusho o suru koto nado ga suki desu. However, it is more common to use the ~tari ~tari suru structure for actions. Nado is preferred when the focus is on the *items* or *categories* rather than the actions themselves.

映画を見ることなどが趣味です。(My hobbies include things like watching movies.)

Advanced Usage: Quotations
You can use nado to after a quoted sentence to suggest that the quote is just an example of what was said. Example: Yamada-san wa 'Ikanai' nado to iimashita (Mr. Yamada said things like 'I won't go').

「危ない」などと言って、彼は走っていきました。(Saying things like 'It's dangerous,' he ran away.)

In polite Japanese, nado is often used to soften requests or suggestions. Instead of saying 'Drink water,' one might say 'Drink water or something' (Mizu nado o nonde kudasai), which sounds less demanding and more like a gentle suggestion. This 'softening' effect is a key component of Japanese social harmony (wa). Finally, when listing items in a formal document, nado is often paired with oyobi (and) or narabi-ni (as well as), though these are beyond A2 level. For now, focus on the Noun + nado and A ya B nado patterns. They will cover 90% of your daily needs. Remember that nado essentially says 'This is just one/some of the things I'm talking about.' It prevents you from sounding like you've given a complete and final list when you haven't.

この店ではパンやケーキなどを売っています。(This shop sells bread, cakes, and so on.)

Negative Contexts
In negative sentences, nado can emphasize that *not even* the example mentioned is true. Example: Sonna koto nado arimasen (There is no such thing [and certainly nothing else like it]).
This versatile particle is a building block for complex thought in Japanese.
You will encounter など in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the mundane to the highly professional. In everyday life, it’s ubiquitous in signage and advertisements. A supermarket sign might list 'Vegetables, Fruit, nado' to indicate a section. A restaurant menu might describe a dish as containing 'Seafood, Vegetables, nado.' In these contexts, it serves the practical purpose of saving space while remaining accurate.
News & Media
News anchors frequently use nado when reporting on events. For instance, 'The Prime Minister discussed the economy, foreign policy, nado.' This allows them to summarize long meetings efficiently.

警察は事故の原因などを調べています。(The police are investigating the cause of the accident and other factors.)

In the workplace, nado is essential for 'Keigo' and business etiquette. When a junior employee reports to a manager, they might say, 'I have prepared the documents, the meeting room, nado.' This implies that they have also handled the smaller, unmentioned tasks associated with the preparation. Using nado here shows a sense of thoroughness without bragging about every single action. In academic settings, nado is the standard way to provide examples in textbooks. A history book might state, 'The Edo period saw the development of ukiyo-e, kabuki, nado.' It signals that the culture was rich and these are just the highlights.

この論文では、教育の現状などについて考察する。(In this paper, we will consider the current state of education and related issues.)

Public Announcements
Train station announcements often use nado: 'Please watch out for umbrellas, bags, nado getting caught in the doors.' It covers all personal belongings without listing them all.
Even in literature and lyrics, nado appears, though it might be replaced by the more poetic nanka or nante in modern pop songs. However, nado provides a rhythmic quality and a sense of groundedness. In social media, you might see it in hashtags or list-style posts.

最近は、ヨガや料理などにハマっています。(Lately, I've been into things like yoga and cooking.)

Finally, in healthcare, doctors use it to describe symptoms: 'Do you have a fever, cough, nado?' This encourages the patient to mention any other symptoms they might have. In all these cases, nado is the key to efficient, polite, and accurate communication. It is a word that bridges the gap between the specific and the general, making it an indispensable part of the Japanese linguistic landscape. Whether you are reading a newspaper, listening to a train announcement, or chatting with a colleague, nado will be there, silently indicating the vastness of the categories it helps define.
Legal Contexts
In laws and contracts, nado is used to ensure the law applies to similar unforeseen cases, providing a legal 'catch-all'.
This breadth of usage makes it one of the most important particles for any serious student of Japanese.
Despite its relative simplicity, など can be tricky for English speakers due to its specific grammatical rules and cultural nuances. The most common mistake is using nado with an exhaustive list. If you are listing *all* the members of a group, you must use (to). Using nado when the list is actually complete sounds confusing or implies you've forgotten something.
Mistake: Exhaustive Lists
Incorrect: Chichi to haha nado ga imasu (I have a father and mother, etc.). Since most people have only one father and one mother, nado is inappropriate here unless you are referring to a larger group of relatives.

❌ 家族は父や母などです。(My family is my father, mother, etc. — implies you have other parents!)

Another frequent error is the placement of case particles. Learners often forget that nado can replace ga and o, or that it should come before other particles like ni or de in specific patterns. For instance, Tōkyō nado ni ikimashita (I went to places like Tokyo) is correct, but Tōkyō ni nado ikimashita is rare and changes the nuance significantly to one of dismissal. Confusion between nado and nanka is also common. While they share the same basic meaning, nanka is much more informal and carries a stronger nuance of 'belittling' or 'dismissiveness.' Using nanka in a formal report or to a superior can be seen as rude or unprofessional. Stick to nado in all but the most casual settings until you are very comfortable with the nuances.
Mistake: Direct Verb Attachment
Incorrect: Taberu nado shimasu. Correct: Tabetari shimasu or Taberu koto nado o shimasu. You cannot attach nado directly to a verb stem or dictionary form.

❌ 本を読んだなどしました。(I read a book, etc. — grammatically incorrect.)

A more subtle mistake is using nado when ya alone would suffice. While A ya B nado is a standard pattern, adding nado to every single list can make your speech sound overly repetitive or clinical. Sometimes, just A ya B is enough to imply an open list. Finally, be careful with the 'humility' usage. If you use nado after someone else's name or a respected object, it can sound like you are belittling them. For example, Tanaka-san nado wa... could imply 'People like Tanaka (who aren't that important)...' unless the context is very clearly about listing people for a meeting. Always consider the social hierarchy when using nado with people.
Mistake: Formal/Informal Mismatch
Using nado in a very rough, slang-filled sentence can feel out of place, like saying 'I'm gonna go grab some brewskis, etcetera.' Use nanka instead.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you use nado with the precision and grace of a native speaker.
Japanese has several ways to express 'etcetera' or 'and so on,' each with its own level of formality and nuance. Understanding the differences between など (nado), なんか (nanka), なんて (nante), and たり (tari) is essential for achieving natural-sounding Japanese.
など (Nado)
The standard, neutral-to-formal particle for non-exhaustive lists of nouns or nominalized phrases. It is safe to use in almost all situations.
なんか (Nanka)
The casual version of nado. It is used frequently in spoken conversation among friends. It often carries a nuance of 'something like' or can be used as a filler word. It can also imply a slight dismissal of the item mentioned.

料理なんか、全然できないよ。(I can't do things like cooking at all. — Casual/Dismissive)

なんて (Nante)
Similar to nanka, but often used to express surprise, emphasis, or strong belittling. It often follows a full clause or a quote. Example: Kekkon suru nante shiranakatta! (I didn't know anything like [you] getting married!).
たり...たり (Tari...tari)
This is the 'etcetera' for verbs. While nado focuses on nouns, tari lists actions as examples. Example: Hiru-gohan o tabetari, hon o yondari shimashita (I did things like eating lunch and reading a book).
There are also more formal alternatives used in writing. (tō) is the kanji reading of nado and is used in compound words like ittō (first class) or in very stiff legal/academic writing as a suffix. Another formal option is ya-ra, which is similar to ya but more literary and implies a sense of confusion or being overwhelmed by the variety.

仕事やら家事やらで忙しい。(I'm busy with work, housework, and all that. — Literary/Overwhelmed)

Comparison: Nado vs. To
Use To for a complete list: 'A and B (and nothing else).' Use Nado for an open list: 'A, B, and so on (among others).'
Choosing the right 'etcetera' depends entirely on your relationship with the listener and whether you are talking about things or actions. For an A2 learner, mastering the transition from the basic to to the more nuanced nado is a major step toward natural fluency. It shows that you understand the non-literal, categorical nature of Japanese thought. As you progress to B1 and B2, you will start to incorporate nanka and tari more fluently, but nado will always remain your most reliable and professional tool for providing examples. This comparison highlights why nado is so central—it's the 'gold standard' for listing examples in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient texts like the Man'yōshū, 'nado' was already being used to list poetic images. Its kanji '等' is also used for 'equality' (byōdō) in modern Japanese, reflecting the idea that the examples listed are of 'equal' standing in the category.

Guide de prononciation

UK /nɑː.dəʊ/
US /nɑ.doʊ/
Japanese has no heavy stress like English, but 'na' and 'do' should have equal length.
Rime avec
Kado (corner) Mado (window) Sado (tea ceremony) Hodo (extent) Yado (inn) Mado (window) Odo (clay) Sudo (vinegar door)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing it as 'nay-doh'.
  • Stretching the 'o' too long (nadoo).
  • Putting the accent on the second syllable.
  • Mumbling the 'n' sound.
  • Forgetting that it's two distinct moras.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji 等 is common but the hiragana など is very easy to recognize.

Écriture 2/5

Easy to write in hiragana; used frequently in all types of writing.

Expression orale 3/5

Easy to use, but knowing when to use it versus 'nanka' or 'to' takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Very common in speech, easy to catch once you know the sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

と (to) や (ya) も (mo) は (wa) を (o)

Apprends ensuite

なんか (nanka) なんて (ante) たり (tari) とか (toka) などという (nado to iu)

Avancé

なり (nari) やら (yara) だの (dano) といった (to itta) にせよ (ni seyo)

Grammaire à connaître

Partial Listing with 'Ya'

本やペンなどがあります。

Nominalization with 'Koto'

走ることなどが好きです。

Quotation with 'To'

「嫌だ」などと言いました。

Particle Omission

お茶など(を)飲みますか?

Humility with Personal Pronouns

私などにはもったいない。

Exemples par niveau

1

りんごやバナナなどがあります。

There are apples, bananas, and so on.

A1: Basic 'Noun A ya Noun B nado' pattern.

2

ペンなどを使います。

I use pens and such.

A1: Single noun followed by 'nado'.

3

お茶などを飲みます。

I drink tea and things like that.

A1: 'Nado' used to suggest a category of drinks.

4

本などを読みました。

I read books and so on.

A1: Past tense with 'nado' for hobbies.

5

肉や魚などを食べます。

I eat meat, fish, and so forth.

A1: Using 'ya' and 'nado' for food groups.

6

カバンの中に財布などがあります。

There is a wallet and such in the bag.

A1: Describing contents of a container.

7

テニスやサッカーなどが好きです。

I like tennis, soccer, and so on.

A1: Expressing likes with 'nado'.

8

日曜日には掃除などをします。

On Sundays, I do cleaning and such.

A1: Using 'nado' with 'shimasu' for activities.

1

週末は映画や買い物などに行きます。

On weekends, I go to movies, shopping, and so on.

A2: Listing destinations with 'ya' and 'nado'.

2

野菜などをたくさん食べてください。

Please eat plenty of vegetables and such.

A2: Using 'nado' to give a healthy suggestion.

3

図書館で勉強や読書などをしました。

I did things like studying and reading at the library.

A2: Listing actions at a specific location.

4

プレゼントに花やケーキなどを買いました。

I bought flowers, a cake, and so on for a present.

A2: Using 'nado' for gift items.

5

日本料理には寿司や天ぷらなどがあります。

Japanese cuisine includes sushi, tempura, and so on.

A2: Describing a category of food.

6

テストの前に漢字などを復習しました。

I reviewed kanji and such before the test.

A2: Using 'nado' for study materials.

7

冬はスキーやスケートなどができます。

In winter, you can do skiing, skating, and so on.

A2: Listing potential activities.

8

デパートで服や靴などを買いました。

I bought clothes, shoes, and so on at the department store.

A2: Common shopping context.

1

将来、海外で働くことなどを考えています。

I am thinking about things like working abroad in the future.

B1: Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'koto' before 'nado'.

2

会議の準備や資料の作成などを手伝ってください。

Please help with preparing for the meeting, creating documents, and so on.

B1: Using 'nado' in a professional request.

3

健康のために、ジョギングをすることなどが大切です。

For health, things like jogging are important.

B1: Using 'nado' to emphasize a representative healthy action.

4

この町は、古い建物や歴史的な場所などが多いです。

This town has many old buildings, historical places, and so on.

B1: Describing characteristics of a location.

5

彼は「忙しい」などと言って、すぐに帰りました。

He said things like 'I'm busy' and went home immediately.

B1: Using 'nado to' for a representative quote.

6

最近、ストレスなどで体調を崩す人が増えています。

Recently, the number of people getting sick due to stress and other factors is increasing.

B1: Using 'nado' to indicate a representative cause.

7

インターネットでニュースや天気予報などをチェックします。

I check the news, weather forecast, and so on on the internet.

B1: Listing digital information sources.

8

この店では、手作りのパンやクッキーなどを売っています。

This shop sells handmade bread, cookies, and so on.

B1: Describing a shop's inventory.

1

私などの意見が参考になれば幸いです。

I would be happy if an opinion from someone like me could be of reference.

B2: Using 'nado' for humility (self-deprecation).

2

経済の不安定さなどが、消費に影響を与えています。

Factors like economic instability are affecting consumption.

B2: Using 'nado' with abstract nouns in a formal context.

3

彼は嘘をつくなど、信じられない行動をとった。

He took unbelievable actions, such as telling lies.

B2: Highlighting a negative representative action.

4

環境保護のため、プラスチックの使用を減らすなどの対策が必要です。

In order to protect the environment, measures such as reducing plastic use are necessary.

B2: Proposing solutions with 'nado'.

5

この本は、日本の伝統文化や習慣などについて詳しく書いてあります。

This book describes Japanese traditional culture, customs, and so on in detail.

B2: Summarizing the content of a detailed text.

6

地震などの自然災害に備えて、準備をしておくべきです。

We should prepare for natural disasters such as earthquakes.

B2: Categorizing disasters.

7

最近の若者は、SNSでのコミュニケーションなどを好む傾向にあります。

Young people these days tend to prefer things like communication via SNS.

B2: Describing social trends.

8

仕事のストレスなどで、夜眠れないことがあります。

There are times when I can't sleep at night due to work stress and such.

B2: Identifying causes of personal issues.

1

本件については、法的な観点などから慎重に検討する必要があります。

Regarding this matter, it is necessary to carefully consider it from perspectives such as the legal one.

C1: Highly formal usage in a professional/legal context.

2

政府は少子高齢化問題など、多くの課題に直面している。

The government is facing many challenges, such as the low birthrate and aging population.

C1: Using 'nado' to list complex societal issues.

3

彼の成功は、本人の努力はもとより、周囲の支えなどによるものだ。

His success is due to his own efforts, of course, but also to factors like the support of those around him.

C1: Contrasting primary factors with 'nado' examples.

4

古典文学を読むことなどで、当時の人々の思考を理解することができる。

By doing things like reading classical literature, we can understand the thoughts of the people of that time.

C1: Academic justification using 'nado'.

5

新薬の開発には、膨大な時間と費用などが費やされた。

Enormous amounts of time, money, and such were spent on the development of the new drug.

C1: Emphasizing the scale of resources using 'nado'.

6

「自己責任」などという言葉で、社会問題を片付けてはならない。

We must not dismiss social problems with words such as 'personal responsibility.'

C1: Critical usage of 'nado to iu' to challenge a concept.

7

異文化理解には、言語の習得などは不可欠な要素である。

For cross-cultural understanding, things like language acquisition are indispensable elements.

C1: Defining necessary conditions.

8

昨今の経済情勢に鑑みると、増税などは避けられない状況だ。

Considering the recent economic situation, things like tax increases are unavoidable.

C1: Formal prediction in a political context.

1

憲法が保障する基本的人権などは、何人たりとも侵すことはできない。

The fundamental human rights and such guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be violated by anyone.

C2: Legalistic usage defining broad categories of rights.

2

万葉集などの古典には、日本人の原風景が色濃く反映されている。

The original landscapes of the Japanese people are deeply reflected in classics such as the Man'yōshū.

C2: Literary analysis using 'nado' to categorize texts.

3

グローバル化の進展に伴い、国家の主権などが変容しつつある。

With the progress of globalization, things like national sovereignty are undergoing transformation.

C2: Geopolitical discourse with abstract concepts.

4

科学技術の進歩は、我々の死生観などにも少なからぬ影響を及ぼしている。

Advances in science and technology are exerting no small influence on our views on life and death and so on.

C2: Philosophical discussion using 'nado'.

5

「和をもって貴しとなす」などという精神は、今も日本社会の底流にある。

The spirit of 'harmony is to be valued' and so on is still at the undercurrent of Japanese society today.

C2: Cultural analysis citing ancient principles.

6

企業の社会的責任(CSR)などは、単なる慈善活動に留まるものではない。

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and such do not stop at mere charitable activities.

C2: Defining complex business concepts.

7

AIの台頭が、労働の定義や人間のアイデンティティなどを揺るがしている。

The rise of AI is shaking the definition of labor, human identity, and so forth.

C2: High-level analysis of technological impact.

8

言論の自由などは、民主主義社会の存立に関わる極めて重要な価値である。

Freedom of speech and such are extremely important values related to the existence of a democratic society.

C2: Political philosophy.

Collocations courantes

~や~など
~などの理由で
~などの影響
~などの対策
~などの分野
~などと言って
~などという
~などのほか
私など
野菜など

Phrases Courantes

などなど

— And so on and so forth. Used for emphasis in casual speech.

本やペンなどなど、たくさん買った。

などは

— As for things like... Used to set an example as a topic.

この本などは、とても面白いですよ。

なども

— Things like... also. Used to add an example to a list.

りんごだけでなく、みかんなども好きです。

などでも

— Even in places/times like... or things like...

コンビニなどでも買えます。

などの際には

— In cases such as... Formal expression for instructions.

非常などの際には、こちらへ。

などの点から

— From viewpoints such as... Used in analysis.

費用のなどの点から考えると...

などの面で

— In aspects such as... Used to describe qualities.

技術などの面で優れている。

などに関わらず

— Regardless of things like... Formal exclusion.

年齢などに関わらず参加できる。

などといった

— Things such as... Used to introduce a category.

赤や青などといった色。

などがある

— There are things like... Basic existence phrase.

いろいろな問題などがある。

Souvent confondu avec

~など vs と (to)

'To' is for a complete list; 'Nado' is for an incomplete list.

~など vs なんか (nanka)

'Nanka' is casual and can be dismissive; 'Nado' is polite and neutral.

~など vs たり (tari)

'Tari' lists actions (verbs); 'Nado' lists things (nouns).

Expressions idiomatiques

"猫の手も借りたいなど"

— Saying things like 'I'm so busy I'd even borrow a cat's paw.'

彼は「猫の手も借りたい」などと言っている。

Common
"身を粉にするなど"

— Doing things like working oneself to the bone (grinding one's body to powder).

身を粉にするなどして働いた。

Formal/Idiomatic
"三日坊主など"

— Being a 'three-day monk' or similar (someone who quits easily).

三日坊主などと言われないように頑張る。

Casual
"目もくれないなど"

— Doing things like not even giving a glance (ignoring completely).

流行などには目もくれない。

Literary
"鼻が高いなど"

— Saying things like being proud (having a high nose).

彼は鼻が高いなどと自慢している。

Common
"耳を疑うなど"

— Doing things like doubting one's ears (being shocked by news).

そのニュースに、耳を疑うなどの反応を見せた。

Literary
"口を酸っぱくするなど"

— Doing things like making one's mouth sour (repeating advice endlessly).

先生は口を酸っぱくするなどして注意した。

Common
"足が出るなど"

— Things like going over budget (legs sticking out).

予算から足が出るなど、問題が多い。

Business
"首を長くするなど"

— Doing things like stretching one's neck (waiting eagerly).

首を長くするなどして待っていた。

Common
"腹を割るなど"

— Doing things like splitting one's stomach (speaking frankly).

腹を割るなどして話し合った。

Common

Facile à confondre

~など vs など (nado)

Often confused with 'toka'.

'Nado' is more formal and standard for lists. 'Toka' is slightly more casual and often used in pairs (A toka B toka).

本やペンなど (Formal) vs 本とかペンとか (Casual)

~など vs など (nado)

Confused with 'nanka'.

'Nanka' is for friends. 'Nado' is for everyone else. 'Nanka' can sound rude if used incorrectly.

私など (Humble) vs 私なんか (Self-deprecating/Casual)

~など vs など (nado)

Confused with 'to'.

'To' means 'A and B and nothing else.' 'Nado' means 'A, B, and other things too.'

ペンと紙 (Just pen and paper) vs ペンや紙など (Pen, paper, etc.)

~など vs など (nado)

Confused with 'tari'.

'Tari' requires verbs to be in the 'ta' form. 'Nado' requires nouns or 'koto' phrases.

読んだり書いたり (Actions) vs 読書や習字など (Nouns)

~など vs など (nado)

Confused with 'nante'.

'Nante' adds a strong feeling of surprise or disbelief. 'Nado' is just a factual list marker.

彼が来るなんて! (Surprise) vs 彼などが来る。 (He and others are coming.)

Structures de phrases

A1

[Noun] など

お茶など。

A2

[Noun A] や [Noun B] など

本やペンなど。

B1

[Verb-dict] ことなど

泳ぐことなど。

B1

[Quote] などと

「また明日」などと。

B2

[Noun] などは

私などは。

C1

[Noun] などの点から

安全などの点から。

C2

[Abstract Noun] などの変容

主権などの変容。

C2

~などといった~

自由などといった価値。

Famille de mots

Apparenté

なんか (nanka)
なんて (nante)
等 (tō)
たり (tari)
やら (yara)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'nado' with a complete list. Use 'to' (と) for complete lists.

    If you only have two siblings, saying 'Ani ya ane nado' implies you have more, which is confusing.

  • Attaching 'nado' directly to a verb. [Verb] koto nado.

    Nado is a particle that follows nouns. Verbs must be nominalized first.

  • Using 'nanka' in a business setting. Use 'nado' (など).

    'Nanka' is casual and can sound disrespectful to superiors.

  • Putting case particles before 'nado' incorrectly. Noun + nado + ga/o.

    While 'ni' and 'de' can come before 'nado,' 'ga' and 'o' usually follow it or are replaced by it.

  • Using 'nado' to refer to a superior's actions dismissively. Be careful with context.

    Saying 'Shachō nado ga...' can sound like you don't value the CEO's presence.

Astuces

Pair with 'Ya'

For a natural list, use 'Noun A ya Noun B nado.' It's the most standard way to give examples at an A2 level.

Use for Humility

Use 'Watashi nado' when you want to sound very polite and modest when offering an opinion or declining an honor.

Nominalize Verbs

Always add 'koto' or 'no' before 'nado' if you are using it with a verb. 'Benkyō suru koto nado' is correct.

Avoid Overuse

Don't end every single sentence with 'nado.' If the context clearly implies you're giving examples, 'nado' isn't always necessary.

Nado vs. To

If you are listing ingredients for a recipe and you want to be exact, use 'to.' If you're just giving an idea of what's inside, use 'nado'.

Softening Requests

Instead of 'Mizu o nonde' (Drink water), say 'Mizu nado o nonde' to make it a gentler suggestion.

Formal Kanji

In very formal letters or reports, you might see '等' instead of 'など.' It's good to recognize both.

Catch the Nuance

When you hear 'nado' in a negative sentence, it often means 'not even' or 'certainly not,' adding emphasis.

Vagueness is Key

Use 'nado' to leave options open. It shows you are flexible and not forcing a single choice on others.

Example vs. Category

Think of the noun before 'nado' as a 'representative.' 'Ringo nado' represents the whole category of fruit.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Nado' as 'NOT ALL.' When you say 'nado,' you are telling the listener that these examples are 'NOT ALL' of the items in the group.

Association visuelle

Imagine a shopping bag with a few items sticking out (like a baguette and a bottle) and a label that says 'NADO' pointing to the hidden items inside.

Word Web

Etcetera And so on Examples Category Non-exhaustive Humility Polite Softening

Défi

Try to describe your morning routine using at least three 'nado' phrases. For example: 'I drank coffee nado.' 'I read news nado.'

Origine du mot

The word 'nado' originates from the Old Japanese word 'nado,' which was used to indicate examples or categories. It has remained remarkably consistent in its core meaning for over a thousand years. It is believed to be related to the word 'nani' (what), suggesting a sense of 'and what else.'

Sens originel : And so on; such as; indicating an example.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'nado' after someone's name (e.g., Tanaka-san nado), as it can sound dismissive unless you are clearly listing attendees for a meeting.

English speakers often use 'etc.' only in writing, but Japanese speakers use 'nado' very frequently in speech. English speakers might sound too direct if they don't use 'nado' or similar softening phrases in Japanese.

The phrase 'Nado to iu mono wa nai' (There is no such thing as...) is a common philosophical or dramatic trope in anime. The kanji 等 (tō) appears in 'Kōtō Gakkō' (High School), meaning 'high level/grade.' Classical poetry often uses 'nado' to evoke a sense of 'mono-no-aware' (the pathos of things) by listing fleeting images.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

  • 服や靴など
  • 食べ物など
  • プレゼントなど
  • 安いものなど

Hobbies

  • 読書や映画など
  • スポーツなど
  • 旅行など
  • 音楽など

Work/Business

  • 会議の準備など
  • 資料の作成など
  • メールの返信など
  • スケジュールの確認など

Health

  • 熱や咳など
  • 野菜の摂取など
  • 運動など
  • 睡眠など

News/Reports

  • 事故の原因など
  • 経済の影響など
  • 政府の対策など
  • 将来の展望など

Amorces de conversation

"週末はどんなこと(掃除や買い物など)をしましたか?"

"日本料理の中で、寿司や天ぷらなどは好きですか?"

"趣味は何ですか?読書や映画鑑賞などですか?"

"将来、どんな仕事(医者や弁護士など)をしたいですか?"

"最近、ストレスなどで疲れていませんか?"

Sujets d'écriture

今日買ったもの(食べ物や日用品など)について書いてください。

あなたの好きなスポーツや趣味(サッカーやピアノなど)について説明してください。

週末の予定(友達と会うことや勉強することなど)を詳しく書いてください。

最近のニュース(政治や経済など)で気になったことは何ですか?

あなたの将来の夢や目標(海外旅行や転職など)について教えてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes! You can say 'Ringo nado' to mean 'apples and such.' It implies that apples are just one example of the category (fruit) you are talking about. This is very common when you want to suggest something without being too specific.

While 'nado' is polite, it's not 'stiff.' You can use it with friends, but it might sound a bit more 'proper' than 'nanka.' In most textbooks and polite (desu/masu) situations, 'nado' is the preferred word.

'Nado' is often used at the end of a list (A ya B nado). 'Toka' is usually repeated (A toka B toka). 'Toka' is also slightly more casual and common in spoken Tokyo Japanese.

Not directly. You must turn the verb into a noun first. Instead of 'taberu nado,' you must say 'taberu koto nado' or 'taberu no nado.' However, usually people use the '~tari' form for actions.

This is a humble way to refer to oneself. It literally means 'someone like me.' It suggests that you are just one insignificant example of a person, which is a polite way to show modesty in Japanese culture.

It depends. In formal writing, you should include them (e.g., nado o, nado ga). In casual or daily speech, they are often dropped. For other particles like 'ni' or 'de,' you should keep them.

Yes, but be careful. If you use it for a superior, it might sound like you are grouping them with others in a dismissive way. It's best used for yourself (humility) or for a general group (e.g., students, employees).

Yes, they are very similar. The main difference is that 'nado' is used much more frequently in spoken Japanese than 'etc.' is in spoken English. It also has the extra 'humility' nuance that 'etc.' lacks.

'Nado-nado' is just a repeated version of 'nado' used for emphasis, similar to 'and so on and so forth.' It's common in casual speech or when you want to stress that there are many more examples.

Yes, the kanji is 等. In most daily writing, it's written in hiragana (など), but you will see the kanji in formal documents, signs, and compound words like 'byōdō' (equality).

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I like fruits such as apples and bananas.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I bought pens, notebooks, etc.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Please eat vegetables and such.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'My hobbies are reading and such.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He said things like "I'm busy".'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I'm thinking about things like working abroad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Someone like me can't do it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'We must prepare for disasters like earthquakes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I went to Kyoto, Nara, and so on.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'There are things like sushi and tempura.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I bought clothes and shoes etc. at the mall.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Drinking water etc. is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I don't have time for things like games.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The cause of the accident etc. is unknown.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I want to study things like history.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'There is a wallet etc. in the bag.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I use things like computers for work.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Please help with things like cleaning.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I like music, movies, and so on.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'There were many people like students.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe three things in your room using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell me two hobbies using 'ya' and 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Suggest a healthy activity using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Humbly decline a compliment using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

List two foods you like using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe your weekend plans with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Mention two cities you want to visit using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain why you were late using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Give an example of a social problem with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say what you bought yesterday using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask someone about their favorite drinks with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a shop you like using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Propose a meeting agenda item with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a historical figure using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Summarize a book's theme using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

List two things you need for a trip with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Suggest a place to eat using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Mention a potential risk using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a childhood memory using 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

State an opinion on technology with 'nado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Ringo ya mikan nado o kaimashita.' What did they buy?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Yasai nado o tabete kudasai.' What is the advice?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Dokusho nado ga suki desu.' What is the hobby?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Shōji ya sentaku nado o shimashita.' What was done?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Sake ya bīru nado ga arimasu.' What drinks are available?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Stress nado de nemuremasen.' Why can't they sleep?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Watashi nado ni wa dekimasen.' Can the speaker do it?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Kaikyō nado o shirabete imasu.' What are they investigating?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Pan ya keki nado o utte imasu.' What is sold?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Kyōto ya Nara nado ni ikimashita.' Where did they go?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Jishin nado no saigai.' What kind of disaster?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Hōteki na kanten nado kara.' From what perspective?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'SNS nado de no communication.' Where is the communication?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Netzu ya seki nado.' What are the symptoms?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: 'Ame nado no eikyō.' What is the influence?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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