Translation guide
Expresses strong determination to achieve something regardless of the effort, cost, or sacrifice required.
The speaker is resolved to accomplish a goal, no matter how difficult or costly.
Literally 'no matter what happens', this is a very common and natural way to express unwavering determination. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
何があっても、最後までやり遂げる。
No matter what it takes, I'll see it through to the end.
I won't give up no matter what.
A slightly more emphatic version of 何があっても, meaning 'no matter what kind of thing happens'. It adds a nuance of 'whatever may come'.
どんなことがあっても、君を守る。
No matter what it takes, I'll protect you.
Means 'by any means' or 'no matter what'. Often used with verbs of desire or necessity to show strong determination.
どうしても合格したい。
I want to pass no matter what it takes.
どうしても彼に会わなければならない。
I must see him no matter what.
Adds 'even if' (たとえ) for extra emphasis. Used in dramatic or formal contexts.
たとえ何があっても、約束は守る。
No matter what it takes, I'll keep my promise.
The speaker is ready to endure hardship, spend money, or sacrifice something to achieve the goal.
Literally 'no matter what sacrifice I pay', this directly conveys the idea of being willing to sacrifice anything. Suitable for serious or dramatic situations.
どんな犠牲を払っても、このプロジェクトを成功させる。
No matter what it takes, I'll make this project a success.
Extremely strong expression meaning 'even if I have to risk my life'. Used only in very dramatic or life-or-death contexts.
たとえ命をかけても、家族を守る。
No matter what it takes, even if it costs me my life, I'll protect my family.
The speaker is determined to use any means, even if unconventional or extreme, to achieve the goal.
Means 'without choosing means', implying a willingness to use any method, fair or foul. Often has a negative connotation of ruthlessness.
彼は手段を選ばずに金を稼ぐ。
He earns money no matter what it takes.
Literally 'no matter what hand (method) I use', this is a colloquial way to say 'by any means necessary'. Can be used in casual conversation.
どんな手を使っても、あの仕事を取る。
I'll get that job no matter what it takes.
The English phrase 'no matter what it takes' is idiomatic. A direct word-for-word translation into Japanese will sound unnatural. Use the phrases provided instead.
何がかかっても (incorrect)
Literal translation, not used.
何があっても focuses on external obstacles ('whatever happens'), while どうしても emphasizes internal determination ('by any means'). Use 何があっても when facing unpredictable challenges, and どうしても when expressing a strong personal desire or necessity.
何があっても、これを終わらせる。
I will finish this no matter what it takes.
彼女はどうしても成功しようと決心していた。
She was determined to succeed no matter what it took.