～などと

• Reading: などと
• Romaji: nado to
• Formation: Quote / Thought + などと + Verb of saying/thinking

Meaning

A compound particle that indicates an approximate or dismissive quotation of words, thoughts, or ideas. It means 'something like...' or 'such things as...' when quoting.

などと combines the approximation particle など (such things as, and the like) with the quotative と to introduce an approximate or representative quote. The quoted content is presented as one example among possible similar statements, or sometimes with a dismissive or self-deprecating nuance. It can convey that the speaker finds the quoted content surprising, inappropriate, or humble. In formal contexts, などと softens the directness of quoting. In casual speech, it can add a tone of disbelief or mild criticism toward what was said. It differs from plain と quotation by adding the nuance that the quote is approximate, representative, or somewhat remarkable.

Examples

1. 簡単だなどと思っていたら大変な目に遭った。 I thought it would be easy, but I ended up in a terrible situation.
2. 彼はもう帰りたいなどと言い出した。 He started saying things like wanting to go home already.
3. 自分には才能がないなどと考えないでください。 Please don't think things like you have no talent.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: dismissive

Do Say

• 無理だなどと決めつけないほうがいい。
• 彼女はお腹が空いたなどと文句を言い始めた。
• まさか合格するなどと思っていなかった。

Don't Say

• りんごなどと買ってきた。(Using などと with a noun before a non-quotation verb — などと requires a verb of saying or thinking; for listing nouns, use などを) → りんごなどを買ってきた。
• 明日行くなどと。(Ending a sentence with などと — it must be followed by a verb of saying, thinking, or similar action) → 明日行くなどと言っていた。

Origin & History

Combines など (a particle of approximation/example tracing back to classical Japanese) with the quotative particle と. The compound has become standard for softened or approximate quotation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal