And Stuff Like That: 什么的
什么的
Use 什么的 at the end of a list to mean "and so on / etc."
什么的 is placed at the end of an incomplete list to indicate there are more items of the same type. It is equivalent to English "and so on," "etc.," or "and stuff like that."
什么的 makes your speech sound casual and natural. It signals that the list is not exhaustive — you are giving examples, not a complete inventory.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: And Stuff Like That: 什么的 (什么的)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 什么的 pattern
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Understanding 什么的
In everyday conversation, you rarely list every single item. Instead, you give a few examples and trail off with "and stuff." In Chinese, 什么的 does exactly this. It comes after a list of items — usually two or three examples — and tells the listener "there is more, but you get the idea." For example: 我去超市买了一些水果、面包什么的 (I went to the supermarket and bought some fruit, bread, and stuff like that). It is informal and conversational — you would not use it in formal writing or speeches. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of trailing off with "et cetera" or "you know, that sort of thing." It makes you sound relaxed and natural, like a native speaker chatting with friends.
Key Points
- 什么的 goes at the END of a list: A、B什么的.
- It means "and so on / etc. / and stuff like that."
- Usually follows at least two listed items, though one item is also acceptable.
- It is casual and conversational — avoid it in formal writing.
- The listed items should be of the same category (all foods, all activities, etc.).
- Sometimes written as 什么的 or shortened in speech.
- Can also follow a single item when the category is obvious: 做做运动什么的 (exercise and stuff).
Chinese conversation values being suggestive rather than exhaustive. Listing a few examples and adding 什么的 shows you trust the listener to understand without spelling everything out — this is a mark of good conversational style.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
考试前多做点儿练习什么的。
Before the exam, do more practice exercises and stuff like that.
我去超市买了一些水果、面包什么的。
I went to the supermarket and bought some fruit, bread, and so on.
周末我喜欢看看书、听听音乐什么的。
On weekends I like to read books, listen to music, and stuff like that.
你可以带一些吃的、喝的什么的。
You can bring some food, drinks, and so on.
他会说英语、法语什么的。
He can speak English, French, and so on.
桌子上放着笔、本子什么的。
On the table there are pens, notebooks, and stuff like that.
Common Mistakes
什么的 must come at the END of the list, not at the beginning of the sentence.
什么的 goes after the listed items, not before them. It closes the list, not opens it.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 什么的 when you want to sound casual and do not want to list everything: just give two or three examples and add 什么的.
It is perfect for making suggestions: 你可以看看书、听听音乐什么的 (You could read, listen to music, that kind of thing).
Do not use 什么的 in formal writing or presentations — it is too casual. Use 等 (děng) or 等等 instead.
The items before 什么的 should be related — do not mix random categories.
Homework
Write six sentences about your daily life using 什么的. Topics: things you eat for breakfast, activities on weekends, items in your bag, languages you study, places you visit, and things you buy at the store.