とか (toka)

Meaning & usage

とか presents one or more items as vague examples from a larger set, with a nuance like for example, or, or something like that. It follows nouns and the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and clauses, often in the pattern AとかBとか, and can combine with なんか or という to increase vagueness. It is casual and common in speech, so や or たり are safer in formal writing, and it can sound dismissive when used to refer to people who deserve respect.

Example sentences 4

1. 私わたしはスミスさんとかいう人ひとに出会であった。

   I met a certain Mr Smith.

2. ナンパとかする時、どう言うのがいいですか？

   What are some good pickup lines?

3. 明日からコーンフレークとか、軽い物にしようか？

   Shall we go with cornflakes or something light from tomorrow?

4. 英語以外の外国語とか勉強して何になるんだよ？

   What's the point of studying foreign languages besides English?