Translation guide
Expresses determination to achieve something regardless of obstacles, or permission to use any method. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through set phrases, adverbial expressions, or conditional patterns rather than a single word.
どうしてもそれを終わらせる。
I will finish it by any means.
どんな方法でもいいよ。
You can use any means.
The speaker is resolved to accomplish a goal, emphasizing that they will do whatever it takes.
A very common adverbial phrase meaning 'no matter what' or 'by all means'. It emphasizes strong determination or inevitability.
どうしてもその仕事を終わらせたい。
I want to finish that job by any means.
どうしても彼に会わなければならない。
I must meet him by any means.
Literally 'whatever happens', used to express an unwavering resolve to do something regardless of difficulties.
何が何でも成功させます。
I will make it succeed by any means.
何が何でも明日までに提出しろ。
Submit it by tomorrow by any means.
A more formal or literary expression meaning 'right or wrong, by any means'. Conveys strong determination.
是が非でもこの計画を実現させたい。
I want to realize this plan by any means.
A more literal translation meaning 'whatever means I use'. It is natural but slightly more explicit about methods.
どんな手段を使っても、彼を止めなければならない。
We must stop him by any means.
Giving someone freedom to choose any approach to accomplish a task.
Means 'somehow or other', often used when urging someone to find a way. Softer than 'by any means' but conveys a similar idea.
どうにかして彼を説得してください。
Please persuade him by any means.
Literally 'any method is fine, so...'. Used to give permission or encourage creativity.
どんな方法でもいいから、この問題を解決してほしい。
I want you to solve this problem by any means.
Means 'without choosing means', often implying that even questionable methods are acceptable. Can have a negative nuance.
Can imply ruthlessness or lack of scruples. Use carefully.
彼は手段を選ばずに金を稼いだ。
He earned money by any means.
Emphasizing a strong negation, equivalent to 'not by any means' or 'by no means'.
Used with a negative verb to mean 'never' or 'by no means'. Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は決して嘘をつかない。
He never lies by any means.
それは決して簡単なことではない。
That is by no means easy.
Literally 'not even a little', used with negatives to mean 'not at all' or 'by no means'.
Casual way to say 'not at all'. Often used in daily conversation.
Both express strong determination, but どうしても is more common and can be used in a wider range of situations, including expressing unavoidable circumstances. 何が何でも is more emphatic and often used in dramatic or desperate contexts.
どうしても行かなければならない。
I have to go no matter what.
何が何でも勝つ！
I will win by any means!
Direct translations like 'どんな意味でも' or 'いかなる手段でも' are not natural in most contexts. Use the set phrases provided instead.
I didn't understand his explanation by any means.
全然問題ないよ。
It's no problem by any means.