How to use など(nado)
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [ Noun ] など
In Japanese grammar, the term "など" (nado) has four distinct meanings:
- To provide several examples.
- To emphasize the negative aspects of a situation.
- To express humility.
- To suggest someone belittling another person.
For many learners, this multiplicity of meanings can be confusing. However, in everyday conversation, the most common use of "など" is to provide examples.
If you're just starting out in learning Japanese, it's advisable to focus primarily on this particular usage.
The remaining three meanings do come up in Japanese anime and dramas, but they are less frequently used and the fundamental meaning doesn't change. Therefore, it's better to familiarize yourself with these additional interpretations once you're more confident with the language.
Please note, this correction assumes that the initial text was in English. For a more accurate correction or translation, it would be helpful to provide the original content in Japanese.
"など" provides several examples.
"など" is used in Japanese to provide examples and to imply that other similar things exist.
By giving examples using "など", you can place several things side by side, facilitating understanding.
Additionally, I've noticed that "など" is often employed in more formal or polite situations.
In casual situations, such as when chatting with friends, I tend to use "例えば" instead.
"例えば" is straightforward to use, simply add it after you've mentioned something, much like the English "for example".
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
Example Sentences
Japanese
そのスーパーにはりんごやレモンなどのフルーツがあります。例えば、りんごやレモンです。
English
The supermarket has apples and lemons and so on
Japanese
私はコンピュータやインターネットなどに興味があります。
English
I'm interested in computers and the internet etc.
Japanese
うちには犬や猫などがいます。
English
We have dogs, cats and other animals.
if you want to use "例えば",
Japanese
そのスーパーにはフルーツがあります。例えば、りんごやレモンです。
English
The supermarket has fruits. For example, apples and lemons.
など emphasizes the negative aspects of a situation.
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [Noun] など
"など" is utilized when there's a need to strongly negate something. However, it's rarely used in this context in daily conversation. In fact, I've never used it in this sense before. I often substitute "など" with "絶対に" instead.
This usage of "など" is mostly heard in Japanese anime and movies.
If you do want to use it in this manner, the sentence structure is typically "Noun + 'など' + Verb".
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
Example Sentences
Japanese
僕は嘘などつかない。
English
I would never lie to you.
"など" expresses humility.
Sentence Structure Pattern
- 私などには
In Japanese, "など" can be used to express humility or modesty. This usage is a way of downplaying one's accomplishments, abilities, or status, which is a common practice in Japanese culture.
For instance, if someone compliments you on a job well done, you might respond with "まだまだですなど," which roughly translates to "I still have a long way to go" or "I'm not there yet." By using "など," you're not outright rejecting the compliment, but rather, you're modestly suggesting that you have much more to learn or improve.
It's important to remember that this use of "など" for expressing humility is context-dependent and might not always be appropriate. It's mostly seen in situations where modesty is valued, and overuse can sometimes come off as false modesty.
Always be attentive to the context and social cues when using "など" in this way.
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
Example Sentences
Japanese
私などにはとても手に負えません。
English
I'll never give you the work.
"など" suggests someone belittling another person.
Sentence Structure Pattern
- お前などには
The term "など" can also be used to imply a sense of disdain or belittlement towards others. This usage suggests a perspective that someone or something is not significant or worthy of full consideration.
For example, a person might say "彼などには負けない," which translates to "I won't lose to the likes of him." Here, "など" carries a negative connotation and communicates a degree of disrespect or condescension towards the person mentioned.
It's important to note, however, that using "など" in this manner can be considered rude or offensive, especially in a culture like Japan's, which places high importance on respect and politeness. So, while it's useful to understand this usage, it's generally advisable to be very careful when employing it in conversation.
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
Example Sentences
Japanese
お前などには仕事を任せられない
English
I can't entrust the job to the likes of you.