noun / suffix HSK 4
Traditional 之類
and so on · and such · of that kind · and the like
Meaning
之类 is used after listing examples to mean 'and so on' or 'things like that.' It functions similarly to 'etc.' in English but is more colloquial. It indicates that the items mentioned are just examples of a broader category.
Usage
Native speakers use 之类 in casual and semi-formal contexts to show that a list is not exhaustive. It typically follows one or more nouns. Very common in spoken Mandarin. Sometimes written as 之类的 (zhī lèi de) with the same meaning.
Examples
- 01我喜欢吃水果，比如苹果、橙子之类的。, , .I like eating fruit, such as apples, oranges and so on.
- 02他对历史、文学之类的话题很感兴趣。, .He's very interested in topics like history and literature.
Characters
Common collocations
- 苹果、香蕉之类,apples, bananas and such
- 书本之类的东西things like books
- 电影、音乐之类,movies, music and the like
Origin
Combines the classical possessive particle 之 with 类 (category/type), literally meaning 'of that category.' The structure originates from Classical Chinese but remains productive in modern usage.