Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 任何 | rènhé |
| 任意 | rènyì |
The term is used as a determiner to mean 'at least one (kind)'. For example, when referring to any person or thing within a group, it functions to mean 'no matter which'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 任何 is composed of 任, meaning to assign or undertake and 何, meaning what or which.
Which one should you use?
任何 is used to mean 'any' in the sense of 'any one of a group' or 'no matter which'. In contrast, 任意 is used to mean 'any' in the sense of 'arbitrary' or 'at one's discretion'. Additionally, when presenting options or choices, the phrase 无论哪个 (whichever) can be used to express 'any'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When 任何 is used in an affirmative sentence to mean 'any' (such as 'any person can do it'), it is often paired with 都 or 也 to emphasize the universality of the statement.
How do you pronounce it?
rènhé
Did you know?
- While 任何 means 'any', placing the word 随便 (suíbiàn) in a conversation often conveys 'any' in the sense of 'I don't care' or 'whatever you want'.
- The word 任 (rèn) in 任何 is also the root of the modern Chinese word for 'office' or 'position', as in 任命 (appointment).
- In Chinese, saying 'any' in a negative sentence often requires a total change in structure, moving from 任何 to 没 (méi) or 不 (bù) combined with 什么 (shénme).
Examples in context
- 任何一本杂志都行。Any magazine will do.Tatoeba #924632 by jessie0422, translation #36651 by Dejo
- 我不屬於任何社團。I don't belong to any club.Tatoeba #3158612 by cienias, translation #255270 by CK
- 我不需要任何帮助。I won't need any help.Tatoeba #4757623 by ryanwoo, translation #4755433 by cairnhead
- 我们愿意提供 任何 帮助。We are willing to provide any assistance.
- 请随时联系我们的客服，我们将为您提供 一切 帮助。Please feel free to contact our customer service, and we will provide you with any assistance.
- 你有 任何 想法吗？Do you have any ideas?
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zihan and Junjie are discussing which movie to watch.
- 梓涵 Zihan你想看任何一部电影吗？Nǐ xiǎng kàn rènhé yī bù diànyǐng ma?Do you want to watch any movie?
- 俊杰 Junjie只要是喜剧片，任何一部都可以。Zhǐyào shì xǐjùpiàn, rènhé yī bù dōu kěyǐ.As long as it's a comedy, any one will do.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们看看现在的上映列表。Nà wǒmen kànkan xiànzài de shàngyìng lièbiǎo.Then let's look at the current release list.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，梓涵，你来选吧。Hǎo de, Zǐhán, nǐ lái xuǎn ba.Okay, Zihan, you choose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “any” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
