だの

The particle だの is used to list multiple examples from a larger set, often with a nuance of complaint, criticism, dissatisfaction, or exasperation. It is similar to とか ("things like") but carries a distinctly **negative or dismissive tone. The speaker implies that the items listed are just a few among many, and they are tired of, annoyed by, or unimpressed with them.

Basic usage

だの is placed after each listed item (typically two or more), similar to how とか works. The final だの is often followed by と or a verb.

Structure

だの attaches to various word types:

• Nouns:ほん本だのざっし雑誌だの (books and magazines and whatnot)

• い-adjectives (plain form):たかい高いだのまずいだの (expensive, bad-tasting, etc.)

• な-adjectives (stem):いや嫌だのめんどう面倒だの (unpleasant, bothersome, etc.)

• Verbs (plain form):いく行くだのいかない行かないだの (going, not going, etc.)

Negative / dismissive nuance

Unlike とか, which is neutral, だの almost always conveys that the speaker finds the listed items excessive, annoying, or worthy of criticism. It is common when quoting someone's complaints or when the speaker themselves is exasperated.

Listing contradictory things

だの is used to list contradictory statements, highlighting someone's inconsistency or indecisiveness.

Comparison with とか

While とか is a neutral way to list examples, だの adds emotional coloring – typically annoyance or contempt. Compare:

• けえきケーキとかちょこれえとチョコレートとかがすき好きです。 – I like things like cake and chocolate. (neutral)
• けえきケーキだのちょこれえとチョコレートだの、たべすぎ食べすぎだよ。 – Cake, chocolate, and whatnot – you're eating too much. (critical)