Auxiliary WordsHSK 4
Ending a non-exhaustive list with 什么的
什么的 is a colloquial way to end a non-exhaustive list of things, meaning 'and so on' or 'etc.' It attaches after listing at least two examples of the same kind. Avoid using it after just a single item, as it requires a preceding list to indicate the category.
Structure
Noun 1, Noun 2 (+ Noun 3) + 什么的
The nouns can be replaced by verb phrases for activities, e.g. 吃饭、聊天 什么的.
Examples
- 我奶奶不吃肉，只吃蔬菜、豆腐什么的。Wǒ nǎinai bù chī ròu, zhǐ chī shūcài, dòufu shénme de .My grandma doesn't eat meat. She only eats vegetables, tofu, and so on.
- 养狗很麻烦，你要喂它，给它洗澡，跟它玩什么的。Yǎng gǒu hěn máfan, nǐ yào wèi tā, gěi tā xǐzǎo, gēn tā wán shénme de .Having a dog is too much trouble. You need to feed it, give it a bath, play with it, and so on.
- 数学、物理、化学什么的，我都不感兴趣。Shùxué, wùlǐ, huàxué shénme de , wǒ dōu bù gǎnxìngqù.Math, physics, chemistry, and so on. I'm not interested in any of them.
- 明天去野餐，我们要不要买一些水果、零食什么的？Míngtiān qù yěcān, wǒmen yào bu yào mǎi yīxiē shuǐguǒ, língshí shénme de ?We are going on picnic tomorrow. Shall we buy some fruits, snacks, and so on?
- 电视、洗衣机什么的，我爸爸都会修。Diànshì, xǐyījī shénme de , wǒ bàba dōu huì xiū.Televisions, washing machines, and so on. My father can fix all those.