The Difference Between 「～たり」 and 「～とか」 in Japanese
The Difference Between 「～たり」 and 「～とか」 in Japanese
Both 「～たり」 and 「～とか」 are used to list examples, but they have different grammatical rules and nuances. Let’s compare them in detail with examples like 「掃除したり」 and 「掃除とか」.
1. ～たり (tari)
Function:
- Lists actions/states (verbs/adjectives) as examples of a larger pattern.
- Often implies “among other things” or “things like…”
- Requires past tense (た-form) + り.
Structure:
- Verb: 掃除する → 掃除した + り → 掃除したり
- い-Adjective: 楽しい → 楽しかった + り → 楽しかったり
- な-Adjective/Noun: 静か → 静かだった + り → 静かだったり
Rules:
- Must be paired with 「～する」 at the end if the sentence ends with it.
- Example: 掃除したり、洗濯したりする (“(I) do things like cleaning and laundry”)
- Can be used alone in casual speech.
- Example: 休日は掃除したり。 (“On days off, I do cleaning and stuff.”)
Example Sentences:
- 週末は映画を見たり、本を読んだりします。
Shūmatsu wa eiga o mitari, hon o yondari shimasu.
“On weekends, I do things like watching movies and reading books.” - この公園は静かだったり、賑やかだったりする。
Kono kōen wa shizuka dattari, nigiyaka dattari suru.
“This park is sometimes quiet, sometimes lively.”
2. ～とか (toka)
Function:
- Lists nouns or verb phrases as casual examples.
- More informal than 「～たり」 or 「～や」.
- Does not require past tense.
Structure:
- Noun: 掃除 → 掃除とか
- Verb: 掃除する → 掃除するとか
Rules:
- Can be used alone without a final verb.
- Example: 休日は掃除とか。 (“On days off, cleaning and stuff.”)
- Often used in spoken Japanese for giving vague examples.
- Can mix nouns and verbs:
- 掃除とか、料理するとか (“Cleaning, cooking, things like that”)
Example Sentences:
- 週末は映画とか、買い物とかします。
Shūmatsu wa eiga toka, kaimono toka shimasu.
“On weekends, I do things like movies and shopping.” - 掃除とか、洗濯とか、家事は大変だ。
Sōji toka, sentaku toka, kaji wa taihen da.
“Things like cleaning and laundry—housework is tough.”
Key Differences
| Feature | ～たり | ～とか |
|---|---|---|
| Used with | Verbs, Adjectives | Nouns, Verbs |
| Tense Required? | Past (た-form) | Plain form |
| Formality | Neutral | Casual |
| Needs する at end? | Often yes | No |
| Example | 掃除したり | 掃除とか |
When to Use Which?
✅ Use ～たり when:
- Listing actions (especially in written or polite speech).
- Example: 勉強したり、運動したりする (“I study, exercise, and such.”)
✅ Use ～とか when:
- Speaking casually (friends, family).
- Mixing nouns and verbs.
- Example: 勉強とか、運動とか (“Studying, exercising, stuff like that.”)
Advanced Notes:
- ～や is more formal than ～とか but less flexible (mostly for nouns).
- ～なんか / ～など are also used for listing but sound more dismissive.
