Etching method

According to an embodiment, an etching method includes forming a first layer on a substrate having a main surface including first and second regions adjacent to each other, the first layer including a portion covering the first region and having a plurality of openings or one or more openings defining a plurality of island-shaped portions, and the first layer further including a portion as a continuous layer covering the second region, forming a catalyst layer an a portion(s) of the main surface exposed in the openings by plating, forming a second layer to cover a portion of the catalyst layer adjacent to a boundary between the first and second regions and expose a portion of the catalyst layer spaced apart from the boundary, and etching the substrate in a presence of the catalyst layer and the second layer.