とか
Among other things, For example, Such as
Structure
Adjective (A) + (だ) + とか + Adjective (B) + (だ) +（とか）
Noun (A) + とか + Noun (B) + （とか）
Explanation
とか is a special type of particle used for creating lists. It allows you to give examples from a larger group of similar things. You can use とか after both nouns and verbs to suggest 'things like (A)'.
- 週末は部屋を掃除するとか洗濯するとかをします。On weekends, I do things like clean my room and do laundry.
- アニメとか漫画とかは好きですか。Do you like things like anime and manga?
When you're listing several items, it's very common to leave off the とか that would follow the final item.
- 犬とか猫とかハムスターとかが飼いたいです。I'd like to have a pet like a dog, a cat, or a hamster.
Caution
Using とか implies that the list you are providing is not complete. The person you're speaking with will understand that you are just mentioning a few examples and that other, similar items also exist.
Fun Fact
A key feature of とか is that it can follow verbs and verb phrases. This makes it different from the similar particle や, which is only used for listing nouns.
- ちょっと散歩するとかしてください。You should go for a little walk or something. (Natural Japanese)
- ちょっと散歩するやしてください。Go for a little walk or something. (Unnatural Japanese, as や cannot be used with verbs)
Examples
猫とか犬とかが好き。
I like animals such as cats and dogs. (among others)
昼休みとか放課後とか、時間があったら話そう。
If you have time, for example during your lunch break or after school, let's talk. (among other times)
宮崎駿とか、新海誠とかが有名だと思います。
I think directors such as Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai are famous. (among others)
京都とか、大阪とかに行ってみたいですね。
I'd love to visit places like Kyoto and Osaka. (among others)
このレストラン、フォークとかはないですよ。
Just so you know, this restaurant doesn't have things like forks (among other things).
スポーツはだいたい好きだけど、サッカーとか、野球とかはあまり見ない。
I generally like sports, but I don't really watch (sports) such as soccer and baseball.
パーティーの前に、買い出しとか、部屋の飾りつけとか、やることがたくさんある！
Before the party, there are so many things to do, like shopping and decorating the room! (among other things)
音楽の中では、ロックとか、ジャズが好きですね。
When it comes to music, I like genres such as rock and jazz (among others).
旅行に行く人は、パスポートとか、着替えとかが必要でしょう。
People who are going on a trip will probably need things like a passport and a change of clothes. (among other things)
宿題とかしなくちゃいけないから、今日はゲームできない。
I have to do stuff like homework, so I can't play games today. (among other things)
この店は、ピザとか、パスタとか、デザートもおいしいから人気です。
This restaurant is popular because things like its pizza, pasta, and even its desserts are delicious. (among other things)
あの子、ちょっと話しただけで趣味とか分かるんだ。すごいね。
That person is amazing. They can figure out things like your hobbies just by talking to you for a bit (among other things).