Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'anyway' in Japanese, covering discourse functions like returning to a topic, dismissing a concern, concluding, and correcting oneself.
とにかく行こう。
Anyway, let's go.
とにかく、何の話だったっけ？
Anyway, what were we talking about?
To resume a previous topic after a digression or interruption.
The most common and versatile way to say 'anyway' when returning to a topic. Can also mean 'in any case'.
とにかく、話を戻しましょう。
Anyway, let's get back to the topic.
Literally 'putting that aside', used to smoothly transition back to the main point. Slightly more formal.
それはさておき、本題に入りましょう。
Anyway, let's get to the main topic.
Literary or formal 'anyway', often used in writing. Implies 'be that as it may'.
ともあれ、会議を続けます。
Anyway, let's continue the meeting.
To indicate that something is not important or to dismiss a previous statement.
Works here too, meaning 'in any case' or 'regardless'.
とにかく、気にしないで。
Anyway, don't worry about it.
Implies 'anyway' with a nuance of resignation or inevitability. Often used when something is bound to happen or doesn't matter.
Can sound negative or dismissive, so use with care.
Formal expression meaning 'in any case' or 'be that as it may'.
いずれにせよ、結果は同じです。
Anyway, the result is the same.
To wrap up a conversation or story.
Can be used to conclude, but often combined with other phrases.
とにかく、そういうことです。
Anyway, that's how it is.
A casual interjection meaning 'well' or 'anyway', often used to conclude or change the subject.
まあ、そんなところかな。
Anyway, that's about it.
Used to move on or conclude, similar to 'well then' or 'anyway'.
じゃあ、また明日。
Anyway, see you tomorrow.
To rephrase or clarify what you just said.
Used to rephrase or correct oneself, like 'I mean' or 'or rather'.
彼は医者というか、医学研究者です。
He's a doctor—anyway, a medical researcher.
Casual 'no' used to correct oneself, like 'I mean' or 'anyway'.
昨日、いや、一昨日だったかな。
Yesterday—anyway, maybe it was the day before.
とにかく means 'anyway' in the sense of 'regardless' or 'in any case', while とりあえず means 'for now' or 'first of all'. Don't confuse them.
とにかくやってみよう。
Anyway, let's give it a try.
とりあえずビールください。
For now, I'll have a beer.
While とにかく is versatile, using it too often can sound repetitive. Vary your expressions based on context.
どうせ誰も見てないから、大丈夫だよ。
Anyway, nobody's watching, so it's fine.