Meaning
A casual way to give a few examples from a longer list. Similar to 〜や〜など, but more colloquial, and it can also list actions and things people say.
Formation
- N + とか + N + とか, then the needed particle: 映画とか買い物とかに行きます
- Plain form + とか: 音楽を聞くとか本を読むとかします, 忙しいとか疲れたとか
- The last とか can drop; a single とか softens one example: お茶とか飲みませんか
When to use it
- Core use
- Things like … and … (casual listing)
Example
休みの日は映画とか買い物とかに行きます
On my days off I go to things like movies and shopping.
Important notes
- Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.
Common mistakes
- Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.