Translation guide
Expresses that something must be done or achieved regardless of the sacrifices, difficulties, or consequences. In Japanese, this is conveyed through set phrases, adverbial expressions, and conditional patterns that emphasize unwavering determination or inevitability.
To say that something must be done no matter what hardships, losses, or efforts are involved.
Literally 'even if I/we pay any sacrifice'. A direct and common way to express 'at any cost' when emphasizing willingness to endure loss or hardship.
どんな犠牲を払っても、このプロジェクトを成功させなければならない。
We must make this project succeed at any cost.
A versatile adverbial phrase meaning 'by any means' or 'no matter what'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese to express strong determination.
何としても明日までにこの仕事を終わらせます。
I will finish this work by tomorrow at any cost.
An emphatic expression meaning 'by fair means or foul' or 'absolutely'. Conveys a strong, sometimes stubborn determination. Slightly more formal or literary.
是が非でもその契約を取ってきてくれ。
Get that contract at any cost.
A formal, literary phrase meaning 'overcoming all difficulties'. Often used in speeches or written declarations.
万難を排して目標を達成する所存です。
I am determined to achieve the goal at any cost.
To emphasize that an action will be taken even if it leads to negative outcomes or danger.
A common conditional pattern meaning 'no matter what happens'. Natural in both conversation and writing.
たとえ何があっても、私は君を守る。
I will protect you at any cost.
Literally 'even if I pay any price'. Similar to どんな犠牲を払っても but with a nuance of paying a price or penalty, not just sacrifice.
どんな代償を払ってでも、真実を明らかにする。
I will reveal the truth at any cost.
Literally 'even if I risk my life'. Used for extreme situations where one is willing to die. Dramatic and not for everyday use.
命を懸けてもこの秘密は守る。
I will protect this secret at any cost.
To convey that all possible methods, even extreme ones, will be used to achieve a goal.
Means 'without choosing means', implying any method is acceptable. Can have a negative connotation of ruthlessness.
彼は手段を選ばずに金を稼ごうとした。
He tried to make money at any cost.
A more colloquial version of 手段を選ばずに, meaning 'using whatever means'. Common in spoken Japanese.
どんな手を使っても、あの会社と契約したい。
I want to get a contract with that company at any cost.
何としても is a general-purpose expression for strong determination, while どんな犠牲を払っても explicitly mentions sacrifice. Use 何としても when the focus is on achieving a goal despite obstacles, and どんな犠牲を払っても when you want to emphasize the cost or loss involved.
何としても勝ちたい。
I want to win at any cost. (focus on determination)
どんな犠牲を払っても家族を守る。
I will protect my family at any cost. (focus on sacrifice)
The English phrase 'at any cost' is idiomatic. A literal translation like どんなコストでも is unnatural. Use the set phrases provided instead.