何でも
nandemo[na̠n de̞mo̞]
The English phrase "anything" is translated into Japanese as 何でも (nandemo).
何でも is used to refer to any thing of any kind or someone or something.
Meaning: any thing of any kind (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it means 'even what'.
Which one should you use?
While 何でも means 'anything' in an affirmative sense, such as in the sentence 'I'll eat anything', the form 何も is used with a negative verb to mean 'nothing' (for example, 'I won't eat anything').
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In affirmative sentences, 何でも functions as 'anything' or 'whatever'. In negative sentences, it changes to 何も to mean 'nothing'.
How do you pronounce it?
nandemo
Did you know?
- Despite meaning 'anything' in an affirmative sentence, the first part of 何でも is actually the same word used for 'why' or 'how'.
- The word 何でも can sometimes sound incredibly reckless or unrefined if used too frequently when someone is offering you a choice.
- The word 何でも is often used in the phrase 何でも屋 'nandemeya', which refers to a 'jack-of-all-trades' or a shop that sells every conceivable item.
Examples in context
- 何でもするから。I'll do anything.This sentence shows the use of 何でも to express doing anything.Tatoeba #187836 by small_snow, translation #24973 by CK
- 何でも食べます。I'll eat anything.This sentence shows the use of 何でも to express eating anything.Tatoeba #8534126 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #3844661 by Youmu970
- 何でもできるぜ。I can do anything.This sentence shows the use of 何でも to express the ability to do anything.Tatoeba #10934574 by small_snow, translation #2300655 by CK
- おはようございますGood morning
- すみません、道を教えていただけますか？Excuse me, could you please tell me the way?
- すみません、道を教えてもらえる？Excuse me, can you tell me the way?
- お水をくださいCan I have some water, please?
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日の夕飯、何がいい？Kyō no yūhan, nani ga ii?What do you want for dinner tonight?
- 結衣 Yui私は何でもいいよ。Watashi wa nandemo ii yo.Anything is fine with me.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、イタリアンにする？Jaa, itarian ni suru?Then, shall we have Italian?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、それにしよう！Un, sore ni shiyō!Yeah, let's do that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anything” translations and entries 何でも, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 何でも, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
