# なんか / なんて / など: things like; such as; something like

> Learn how to use なんか / なんて / など, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning things like; such as; something like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-nanka-nante-nado/

**なんか / なんて / など** means **things like; such as; something like**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **give examples, soften, or belittle something**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **give examples, soften, or belittle something**, **なんか / なんて / など** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does なんか / なんて / など mean?

Use **なんか / なんて / など** when you want to **give examples, soften, or belittle something**.

Natural translations include:
- things like; such as; something like
- things like
- things like / such as / something like

## How to form なんか / なんて / など

Noun + なんか・なんて・など

Examples of the pattern:
- 私なんか
- ゲームなんて
- 本など

## When is なんか / なんて / など used?

Use **なんか / なんて / など** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## なんか / なんて / など example sentences

- 私なんかまだまだです。 — Someone like me still has a long way to go.
- ゲームなんて時間の無駄だと思っていた。 — I used to think things like games were a waste of time.
- 週末は映画などを見ます。 — On weekends, I watch movies and things like that.
- 彼が嘘をつくなんて信じられない。 — I cannot believe he would lie.
- コーヒーなんかどうですか。 — How about something like coffee?

## Nuance of なんか / なんて / など

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “things like; such as; something like” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **なんか / なんて / など** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **とか**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## なんか / なんて / など vs とか

Both **なんか / なんて / など** and **とか** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**なんか / なんて / など**:
- means **things like; such as; something like**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**とか**:
- とか casually lists examples; なんか/なんて/など can add modesty, dismissal, or formality depending on choice

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 私なんかまだまだです。 — Someone like me still has a long way to go.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **とか** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with なんか / なんて / など

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using なんか / なんて / など with the wrong form
- Confusing なんか / なんて / など with とか
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is なんか / なんて / など on the JLPT?

Yes. **なんか / なんて / など** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for なんか / なんて / など

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using なんか / なんて / など.
- Contrast なんか / なんて / など with とか.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for なんか / なんて / など

To learn **なんか / なんて / など** efficiently, review simple lists first, then practice whether you are giving examples, vague alternatives, or choices.

1. First, make sure you can form **なんか / なんて / など** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [か何か（かなにか）](/blog/n3-ka-nani-ka/), [例えば（たとえば）](/blog/n3-tatoeba/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences that introduce examples without overcommitting; then check whether replacing **なんか / なんて / など** with [それとも](/blog/n3-soretomo/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [か何か（かなにか）](/blog/n3-ka-nani-ka/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [例えば（たとえば）](/blog/n3-tatoeba/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [それとも](/blog/n3-soretomo/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.
- [とか～とか](/blog/n4-toka-toka/) — because it helps you list, introduce, or choose among examples.

## Learn なんか / なんて / など with Hane

If you want to review **なんか / なんて / など** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)