Translation guide
The English word "whatever" is used in several distinct ways: as a pronoun meaning "anything" or "no matter what", as a determiner meaning "any" or "no matter which", as an interjection expressing dismissal or indifference, and in fixed phrases. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
Expressing that any thing, event, or outcome is acceptable or will not change a situation.
Means 'anything' or 'whatever'. Used in positive contexts to say that any option is fine, or that someone can do anything.
何でも食べます。
I eat anything.
何でも好きなものを選んでください。
Please choose whatever you like.
Emphatic phrase meaning 'no matter what' or 'at all costs'. Used when determined to do something regardless of obstacles.
何が何でも成功したい。
I want to succeed no matter what.
Formal/literary expression meaning 'whatever it may be'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
理由は何であれ、遅刻は遅刻だ。
Whatever the reason, being late is being late.
Means 'in any case' or 'whatever the case may be'. Slightly formal.
何にせよ、準備は必要だ。
Whatever the case, preparation is necessary.
Modifying a noun to mean 'any' or 'no matter which'.
Pattern meaning 'any kind of ~' or 'no matter what kind of ~'. Replace ～ with a noun.
どんな問題でも解決できます。
We can solve whatever problem.
どんな天気でも行きます。
I'll go whatever the weather.
Pattern meaning 'whichever ~' or 'any ~' when choosing from a specific set. Replace ～ with a noun.
どの本でも借りられます。
You can borrow whatever book.
Very formal/literary pattern meaning 'any ~ whatsoever'. Used in legal or official contexts.
いかなる理由でも受け入れられない。
Whatever reason is not acceptable.
Showing that you don't care, are annoyed, or want to end a conversation. Often used as a standalone response.
Literally 'it's fine either way', but used to mean 'I don't care' or 'whatever'. Can sound dismissive or indifferent. Often used in casual speech.
Can be rude if said bluntly to a superior or in formal situations.
A: どっちがいい？ B: どうでもいい。
A: Which one do you want? B: Whatever.
Literally 'I don't know', but used dismissively like 'whatever' or 'I don't care'. Very casual and can be rude.
A: なんで遅れたの？ B: 知らない。
A: Why were you late? B: Whatever.
Means 'oh well' or 'whatever'. Used to drop a subject or give up on something. Casual.
まあいいや、また今度にしよう。
Whatever, let's do it another time.
Literally 'do as you please', used to mean 'whatever, suit yourself'. Can sound annoyed or dismissive.
A: やっぱり行かない。 B: 勝手にすれば。
A: I'm not going after all. B: Whatever, suit yourself.
Expressing determination or inevitability regardless of circumstances.
Means 'no matter what happens' or 'come what may'. Commonly used to express unwavering resolve.
何があっても諦めない。
I won't give up, whatever happens.
Means 'whatever may happen' or 'regardless of the outcome'. Slightly formal/literary.
結果がどうなろうと、後悔はしない。
Whatever the result, I won't regret it.
Direct translations like '何でも' or '何であれ' do not convey the dismissive tone of the English interjection 'whatever'. Use phrases like 'どうでもいい' or '知らない' instead, but be aware they can sound rude.
A: ごめん、忘れた。 B: どうでもいいよ。
A: Sorry, I forgot. B: Whatever.
'何でも' means 'anything' (any object/choice), while '何があっても' means 'no matter what happens' (any event/circumstance). Do not confuse them.
何でも食べる。
I eat anything.
何があっても食べる。
I'll eat no matter what happens.
何が何でもやります。
I'll do whatever it takes.