Translation guide
Expresses that something will happen or be achieved by some means, regardless of the specific method or obstacles.
To say that something will be accomplished or resolved, even if the exact way is not specified or is uncertain.
A common phrase meaning 'by some means or other', often used when the speaker is determined to find a way.
どうにかしてこの問題を解決しなければならない。
We have to solve this problem one way or another.
To indicate that something is inevitable or will happen no matter what, often with a sense of resignation or acceptance.
Means 'in any case' or 'either way', used when the result is the same regardless of the circumstances.
いずれにせよ、私たちは決断しなければならない。
One way or another, we have to make a decision.
To express determination to achieve something, even if it requires forceful or extreme measures.
Means 'without choosing means', implying that any method, fair or unfair, will be used.
彼は手段を選ばずに金を手に入れた。
He got the money one way or another.
Both mean 'somehow', but 何とかして often implies managing with limited resources or overcoming a difficult situation, while どうにかして is more neutral about finding a way.
どうにかして彼に連絡を取ってください。
Please get in touch with him one way or another.
何とかして生活費を捻出しなければ。
I have to scrape together living expenses one way or another.
Avoid directly translating 'one way or another' as 一つの方法か別の方法 (hitotsu no hōhō ka betsu no hōhō). It sounds unnatural and is not idiomatic in Japanese.
どうにかしてそこにたどり着くよ。
One way or another, we'll get there.
いずれにせよ彼女は知ることになる。
She'll find out one way or another.
Similar to どうにかして, but often implies managing to do something despite difficulty or limited resources.
何とかして明日までに終わらせます。
I'll finish it by tomorrow one way or another.
Emphasizes the effort or struggle involved; 'somehow or other', often with a sense of barely managing.
どうにかこうにか電車に間に合った。
I caught the train one way or another.
Casual variant of どうにかこうにか, used in spoken language to mean 'somehow or other'.
何とかかんとかやってみるよ。
I'll give it a try one way or another.
Casual expression meaning 'anyway' or 'either way', often used in spoken Japanese.
どっちみち行かなきゃいけないんだ。
One way or another, I have to go.
Literally 'no matter how it falls', meaning 'no matter what happens' or 'one way or another'. Somewhat literary.
どう転んでも結果は同じだ。
One way or another, the result will be the same.
Literally 'using whatever means', often used when the speaker is determined to achieve a goal by any method.
どんな手を使ってでも彼を勝たせる。
I'll make him win one way or another.