Translation guide
The English phrase "no matter" is used to introduce a condition that does not affect the main statement. In Japanese, this is expressed through various grammatical patterns, most commonly using 〜ても, 〜でも, or question words with 〜ても/〜でも. The choice depends on what follows "no matter" (a noun, adjective, verb, or question word).
Expressing that something is true regardless of a variable (what, who, where, how much, etc.)
Use a question word (何, 誰, どこ, いくら, etc.) followed by 〜ても (for verbs/adjectives) or 〜でも (for nouns/na-adjectives). This is the most common and natural way to express 'no matter ~'.
何があっても、諦めない。
No matter what happens, I won't give up.
誰が来ても、パーティーは楽しい。
No matter who comes, the party will be fun.
どこに行っても、人が多い。
No matter where I go, there are a lot of people.
Adds emphasis, similar to 'even if'. Often used with hypothetical or extreme situations.
たとえ雨が降っても、行きます。
No matter if it rains, I'll go. (Even if it rains, I'll go.)
Expressing that something is true regardless of the degree or manner
Used with adjectives or verbs to mean 'no matter how much'. いくら means 'how much', and the following 〜ても/でも indicates 'even if'.
いくら高くても、買います。
No matter how expensive it is, I'll buy it.
いくら練習しても、上手にならない。
No matter how much I practice, I don't get better.
Similar to いくら, but can also be used with adverbs. どんなに means 'how' or 'to what extent'.
どんなに早く走っても、間に合わない。
No matter how fast I run, I won't make it in time.
Expressing that something is true whether or not a condition is met
A formal pattern meaning 'regardless of whether or not'. Used in written or formal spoken Japanese.
経験があるかどうかにかかわらず、応募できます。
No matter whether you have experience or not, you can apply.
Means 'regardless of'. Used with nouns. More concise than 〜かどうかにかかわらず.
天候にかかわらず、イベントは開催されます。
No matter the weather, the event will be held.
A formal/literary pattern meaning 'whether it be A or B'. Used to list alternatives.
雨であれ雪であれ、試合は行われる。
No matter whether it's rain or snow, the game will be held.
Used in phrases like 'no matter' to dismiss a preceding statement, similar to 'it doesn't matter'
A casual phrase meaning 'it doesn't matter' or 'whatever'. Can sound dismissive or indifferent.
Can be rude if used inappropriately. Use with close friends only.
そんなことはどうでもいい。
No matter about that. / That doesn't matter.
Means 'I don't mind' or 'it doesn't matter'. More polite than どうでもいい.
どちらでもかまいません。
No matter which one. / Either is fine.
Use 〜ても after verbs and i-adjectives (te-form), and 〜でも after nouns and na-adjectives. For example: 高くても (even if expensive), 静かでも (even if quiet).
Do not translate 'no matter' word-for-word. There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds. Always use the appropriate grammatical pattern.