とか - Unconfirmed Hearsay
Frequent Usages
- 明日、雨が降るとか
- 彼は新しい会社で働いているとか
- 最近、彼女が結婚したとか
- その映画がとても面白いとか
- 来週、イベントが中止になるとか
Meaning and Usage
とか is used to convey unconfirmed information or rumors, similar to saying "I heard that..." or "they say that..." in English. It implies that the speaker is relaying information they have heard indirectly, and it often suggests some uncertainty or vagueness about the truth of the information. This phrase is casual and is often used in spoken Japanese when sharing something overheard, rumored, or assumed to be true without direct verification.
This form allows the speaker to convey hearsay without committing to the accuracy of the information, making it a softer way to introduce potentially unverified statements.
Common Meanings
- Hearsay or Rumor: Used to pass on information the speaker has heard from others but cannot confirm.
- Vagueness or Uncertainty: Implies that the speaker is unsure of the accuracy of the information or is being non-committal.
Form
- Verb (普通形) + とか
- 明日、試合が中止になるとか
あした、しあいがちゅうしになるとか
"I heard that the game might be canceled tomorrow."
- い-Adjective + とか
- 最近、あのレストランがすごく人気だとか
さいきん、あのレストランがすごくにんきだとか
"I heard that restaurant is really popular lately."
- な-Adjective + だ + とか
- 彼女は今忙しいとか
かのじょはいまいそがしいとか
"I heard she’s busy right now."
- Noun + だ + とか
- 彼は先生になる予定だとか
かれはせんせいになるよていだとか
"I heard he’s planning to become a teacher."
When to Use It
Hearsay or Rumor
Use とか when relaying information that you have heard indirectly and are not entirely sure of. This form is helpful for passing on rumors or hearsay in a way that makes it clear you are not personally vouching for the information’s accuracy.
- To convey a rumor you’ve heard about someone:
彼は最近引っ越したとか
かれはさいきんひっこしたとか
"I heard that he recently moved."
Vagueness or Uncertainty
とか also allows the speaker to introduce information in a non-committal way, suggesting they are not fully confident in its accuracy. This nuance is useful when sharing something overheard or assumed without complete certainty.
- To express vague or uncertain information:
あの店、最近人気が出てきたとか
あのみせ、さいきんにんきがでてきたとか
"I heard that store has recently become popular."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (普通形) + とか
- 彼が新しい仕事を始めたとか
かれがあたらしいしごとをはじめたとか
"I heard he started a new job."
- い-Adjective + とか
- あの映画、すごく感動的だとか
あのえいが、すごくかんどうてきだとか
"I heard that movie is really touching."
- な-Adjective + だ + とか
- そのレストランが高級だとか
そのレストランがこうきゅうだとか
"I heard that restaurant is high-end."
- Noun + だ + とか
- 新しいカフェがオープンしたとか
あたらしいカフェがオープンしたとか
"I heard a new café opened."
Improper Usage
Avoid using とか when you have verified or confirmed the information, as this expression implies a degree of uncertainty. It’s best for casual conversations and can sound too indirect or vague in formal situations.
Key Points to Remember
- Hearsay and Unconfirmed Information: とか is ideal for sharing rumors or indirectly heard information without confirming it.
- Vagueness: It implies that the information may not be fully reliable, allowing the speaker to remain non-committal.
- Casual Use: とか is often used in spoken Japanese, especially in informal contexts, to indicate uncertainty.
Formality
とか is informal and most commonly used in casual speech. In formal settings, more polite expressions like ～そうです ("it appears that...") or ～と言われています ("it is said that...") may be more appropriate.
Example Sentences
- 彼女が海外に留学する予定とか
かのじょがかいがいにりゅうがくするよていとか
"I heard she’s planning to study abroad." - 来月、新しいプロジェクトが始まるとか
らいげつ、あたらしいプロジェクトがはじまるとか
"I heard a new project is starting next month." - 最近、あの店のスイーツが美味しいとか
さいきん、あのみせのスイーツがおいしいとか
"I heard the sweets at that store are tasty lately." - 社長が来年引退するとか
しゃちょうがらいねんいんたいするとか
"I heard the president is retiring next year." - 彼はかなりのお金持ちだとか
かれはかなりのおかねもちだとか
"I heard he’s quite wealthy."
By using とか, speakers can share hearsay or indirectly obtained information, adding a tone of rumor or unconfirmed truth that keeps the statement casual and non-committal.
