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.
I will finish it by any means.
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.
I want to finish that job by any means.
I must meet him by any means.
A more formal or literary expression meaning 'right or wrong, by any means'. Conveys strong determination.
A more literal translation meaning 'whatever means I use'. It is natural but slightly more explicit about methods.
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.
Please persuade him by any means.
Literally 'any method is fine, so...'. Used to give permission or encourage creativity.
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.
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.
He never lies by any means.
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.
I have to go no matter what.
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.
Literally 'whatever happens', used to express an unwavering resolve to do something regardless of difficulties.
I will make it succeed by any means.
Submit it by tomorrow by any means.
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.
We must stop him by any means.
I want you to solve this problem by any means.
He earned money by any means.
That is by no means easy.
I didn't understand his explanation by any means.
全然問題ないよ。
It's no problem by any means.