〜なんか

Meaning

なんか is a colloquial particle placed after nouns with two main uses: first, to give examples of things (similar to とか and など), and second, to mention something while conveying a sense of contempt, dismissal, or humble modesty. The tone and context determine which nuance applies.

Formation

Examples

1. 彼は嘘なんかつくひとではない。
   He is not the type of person who would tell lies (like that).

2. 休みの日に、ドラマなんかをよく見ます。
   On days off, I often watch things like dramas.

3. A:ドイツ語がお上手ですね。B:いいえ。わたしなんかまだまだです。
   A: Your German is excellent. B: No, not at all. Someone like me still has a long way to go.

Summary

• Use なんか after nouns to list examples or similar items in casual speech
• Can express negative emotions like contempt or dismissal toward the example given
• Commonly used to show humility or modesty when referring to oneself