expression, i-adjective
nothing; no big deal; harmless
Used to dismiss something as unimportant, trivial, or not worth worrying about. Often said when someone asks what is wrong or what happened.
「どうしたの？」「いや、何でもない。」
"What's wrong?" "Oh, it's nothing."
この傷は何でもないから、心配しないで。
This injury is nothing serious, so don't worry.
expression, i-adjective
nothing of the sort; not at all
Used in the pattern 〜でもなんでもない to strongly deny that something is a certain way. Emphasizes that it is not even close to that description.
See also: ではない
彼は天才でもなんでもない。ただ努力家なだけだ。
He's not a genius or anything; he's just a hard worker.
これは料理でもなんでもない。ただの材料の寄せ集めだ。
This isn't cooking at all; it's just a jumble of ingredients.