French Conversation · Level 1
82 words
French word
etc
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛtseteʁa/
Meaning
- adverband so on
Example
Elle a acheté du pain, du fromage, etc.
She bought bread, cheese, and so on.
More examples
Lors de la réunion nous avons abordé des problèmes, des questions, etc.
During the meeting, we discussed problems, questions, and so forth.
Core concept
A row of examples ending at the edge, with more items still implied beyond it.
Common phrases
problèmes, questions, etc.
problems, questions, and so forth
Similar words
et tout ça: A colloquial way to mean the other things that go along with those mentioned.
et ainsi de suite: Shows that more items of the same kind follow.
et tout le reste: Includes all the remaining items not specifically listed.
et compagnie: A colloquial way to include associated people or similar things.
Definition in French
etc. abrège la locution latine « et cetera » et sert à clore une liste en laissant entendre la présence d'éléments similaires non énumérés.
Word origin
The form is borrowed from Latin et cetera and preserves the original phrase rather than forming a new French word.
Usage tips
- In speech, et cetera is possible, but French often uses et tout ça or et tout le reste in less formal contexts.