The adverbial form など (nado) means things like, for example, for instance and can be replaced by the suspension points that translate the locution excetera used in an enumeration.
In this post we'll analyze the meaning of など used singularly or joined to the particle や. We will use everyday phrases and materials from Japan as examples.
など to indicate things like, for example
など used singly with a noun translates the concept of things like, type of things, for example and so on. など is also found transcribed in Kanji as 等.
- アクセサリーなど:
accessories and so on. - 文房具など:
articles of stationery etc.
マンガなどを読まないで、勉強しなさい。
Don't read manga, just study!
など is not often translated in sentences, it is implied. In this case the meaning is Don't read manga or anything else, just study!
公園などに散歩に行きます。
I go for walks in parks and other places.
栄子
どんな映画が好きですか。
What kind of films do you like?
明子
コメディーやアクションなど、面白い映画が好きです。
I like funny films, such as comedies and action films.
など to translate "etcetera"
In a listing of similar objects, など is used to replace the suspension points ... or the locution etcetera.
![Assortment of seasonal produce (vegetables, fruit, etc.) [7 or more products].](/supabase/public/nado.png)
旬の農産物（野菜・果物など）詰合せ【7品以上】
Assortment of seasonal produce (vegetables, fruit, etc.) [7 or more products].
In a list of objects of a similar category, we find the particle や between each term replacing the conjunction and and commas in a longer listing.
ギターやベースなどの楽器収集が趣味です。
I enjoy collecting guitars, basses and other musical instruments.
Literally: my passion, my hobby is collecting guitars, basses, etc..
など emphasises a negative aspect
An uncommon use of など, but one that can be heard in anime or even Japanese films is to emphatically deny something.
An example sentence:
僕は嘘などつかない。
I would never lie to you.
...
Other examples of など
本など読む暇がありません。
I don't have time to read books, etc.
私はクラシック音楽やオペラなどに興味があります。
I am interested in classical music and opera etc.
「思い出す事など」
'Things to remember, etc.'
Similar grammar points in Japanese 📚
させられる・せられる
させられる・せられる (saserareru serareru) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Ｔo Be Made To Do Something
ないで
ないで (naide) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Without Doing
ないで～なくて
ないで～なくて (naide / nakute) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Without Doing
必要がある
必要がある (hitsuyou ga aru) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Need
必要だ
必要だ (Hitsuyou da) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Need
てほしい
てほしい (tehoshii) Meaning Japanese Grammar - I Want You To Do