JLPT N3 Grammar – The Usage of “なんか・なんて・など”

Table of Contents

1. The Usage of “なんか・なんて・など”
2. Usage for Making Suggestions
3. Usage for Expressing Disregard
4. Usage for Self-Deprecation & Humility
5. Usage for Expressing Surprise & Admiration
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment

Q: What’s the difference between “なんか”, “なんて”, and “など”?

A: Each has a different nuance and usage! “なんか” is casual and has a strong nuance of downplaying. “なんて” can express surprise or emphasis. “など” is formal and polite. Let’s go over them one by one!

Usage for Making Suggestions

[Meaning]
Used when giving suggestions or recommendations with examples

[Rule]
[N] Noun + なんか / なんて / など

[Key Points]
・”なんか” and “なんて” are casual expressions.
・”なんて” has a slightly feminine nuance.
・”など” is a formal and polite expression.

[Examples]
このラーメンなんかおいしそうでいいんじゃない？
This ramen looks delicious, so isn’t it a good choice?

スマートウォッチなんか、プレゼントにいいと思おもうよ。
I think a smartwatch would make a great gift.

旅行りょこうするなら、ハワイなんてどう？
If you’re going on a trip, how about Hawaii?

結婚けっこん式しきに着きて行いかれるならこのワンピースなどいかがですか。
If you’re attending a wedding, how about this dress?

Usage for Expressing Disregard

[Meaning]
Expresses a dismissive attitude, implying that something is “not significant” or “not important.”

[Rule]
[N] Noun + なんか / なんて / など

[Key Points]
・”なんか” and “なんて” are used in spoken language.
・”など” is mainly used in written or formal language.

[Examples]
野菜やさいジュースなんか飲のめないよ。
I can’t drink vegetable juice.

子供こどもはコーヒーなんか飲のんじゃダメです。
Kids shouldn’t drink coffee.

オーガニックかどうかなんて気きにしません。
I don’t care whether it’s organic or not.

涙なみだをさそう意図いとが見え見み　みえのドキュメンタリーなど見みたくないです。
I don’t want to watch a documentary that is obviously trying to be tear-jerking.

Usage for Self-Deprecation & Humility

[Meaning]
Used to humbly refer to oneself

[Rule]
[N] Noun (mainly “私わたし“) + なんか / なんて / など

[Key Points]
・”私わたしなんか” and “私わたしなんて” are commonly used for self-deprecation in casual speech.
・”私わたしなど” is more formal and implies humility in a broader sense, sometimes suggesting that others may be more suitable.

[Examples]
私わたしなんかまだまだ未熟みじゅくです。
I’m still inexperienced.

私わたしなんて、まだまだです。
I’m not even close to being good enough.

私わたくしなどが申し上もう　あげるのはおこがましいですが…。
It would be presumptuous of someone like me to say such a thing…

私わたくしなどがこの場ばにいてよいのかわかりません。
I’m not sure if someone like me deserves to be in this place.

Usage for Expressing Surprise & Admiration

[Meaning]
Used to express surprise or admiration toward an unexpected fact

[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + なんて
[N] Noun + なんて

[Key Points]
・”なんて” emphasizes feelings of surprise and admiration.

[Examples]
彼かれが優勝ゆうしょうするなんて思おもいませんでした。
I never thought he would win.

こんなに美うつくしい景色けしきがあるなんて信しんじられないよ。
I can’t believe there’s such a beautiful view.

彼女かのじょがそんなことを言いうなんてありえません。
It’s impossible that she would say such a thing.

ジョンさんが遅刻ちこくするなんて珍めずらしいですね。
It’s unusual for John to be late.

Summary

• Suggestions: Use “なんか”, “なんて”, and “など” to give examples when making suggestions or recommendations.
• Downplaying: Use “なんか”, “なんて”, and “など” to express a dismissive attitude toward something.
• Humility: Use “なんか” and “なんて” to humbly refer to oneself.
• Surprise & Admiration: Use “なんて” to express surprise or admiration toward an unexpected fact.
• “なんか” has a casual tone and a strong nuance of downplaying.
• “なんて” conveys emphasis and surprise.
• “など” is suitable for formal and polite expressions.

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Comment for any questions!