なんか・なんて
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
such as
things like
these kinds of
emphasis or downplaying
Usage
Noun + なんか
Verb (dictionary form) + なんか
Sentence-ending なんか
Clause/Word + なんて
Explanation
なんか and なんて are casual particles/expressions used to downplay or soften what you’re talking about, or to show shyness, surprise, or disdain. Use them when you want to give an example vaguely (things like ~), or when you want to belittle or dismiss something in a light way. They often appear in spoken, informal contexts and can convey modesty, uncertainty, or skepticism. なんか is more about introducing a vague example or category, while なんて emphasizes surprise, disdain, or disbelief about what was said or referenced.
こんな難しい問題、私なんか解けるだろうか。
こんなむずかしいもんだい、わたしなんかとけるだろうか。
A problem this difficult—can someone like me solve it?
あの人の話なんか、信じられない。
あのひとのはなしなんか、しんじられない。
Who would believe that person's story?
こんな美味しそうなケーキ、私なんか全部食べちゃいそう。
こんなおいしそうなケーキ、わたしなんかぜんぶたべちゃいそう。
This delicious-looking cake, I might just eat it all.
そんなこと、私なんて言われたくない。
そんなこと、わたしなんていわれたくない。
I don't want to be told such things by someone like me.