とか[toka]: etc/things like that

September 14, 2020

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It has two meanings.
The first is “and/or/etc“ and it is used to mention similar items with something or to give examples. It is interchangeable with “など“. “とか“ is more casual.
The second is “things like that“ and it is used to say something that you are uncertain about or that someone told you. It is often used to avoid saying something too directly.

Meg and Amy are talking about what to buy for their friend who has been hospitalized.

  • Meg: What should we buy to cheer Yuki up?
    何を買っていけば、ユキは喜ぶかな?
  • Amy:When I visited her the other day, she kept complaining about things like how the food in the hospital is terrible. She must miss some sweets, fruits or something.
    この前行った時、病院食は不味いとか、ずっと文句(を)言っていた。甘い物とか、果物とか、食べたいんじゃないかな。
  • Meg: I see. Fruits are good for her health so we should get her something like apples or grapes.
    そっか。フルーツは体にいいから、リンゴとか、ブドウとかにしよう。
Ken is looking for Jim to ask him for help at the office.

  • Ken: Have you seen Jim? I’ve been waiting for him to return to his desk after the meeting.
    ジム(を)見かけた?会議から戻ってくるのを待っているんだ。
  • Leo: Yes. I was with him at the meeting. He was talking about whether he would go to the post office after the meeting, or not, whether else he might do.
    うん、一緒だったよ。会議の後に、郵便局に行くとか、行かないとか、言っていた。
  • Ken: Thanks. I’ll wait a little longer.
    ありがとう。もう少し待ってみる。
Meg is worried about Mika because she has been feeling a little less energetic lately.

  • Meg: I invited Mika to the party, but she turned me down. She didn’t look well. What happened to her?
    ミカをパーティーに誘ったんだけど、断られちゃった。なんか元気なかった。何かあったのかな?
  • Amy: Speaking of which, she was dumped by Taro or something...
    そういえば、タロウに振られたとか...

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