comunque
/koˈmun.kwe/
The English word 'anyway' can be translated into Italian using comunque. Wiktionary also lists senza riguardo and tanto.
Meaning: regardless (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| comunque | /koˈmun.kwe/ |
| senza riguardo | /ˈsɛn.t͡sa riˈɡwar.do/ (word by word) |
| tanto | /ˈtan.to/ |
comunque is used to express the idea of 'regardless'. Depending on its position at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence, it can shift the emphasis of the nuance. In informal written communication, the abbreviation cmq is commonly used to represent comunque.
Which one should you use?
While comunque means 'regardless of the circumstances', tanto is used colloquially to mean 'anyway' in the sense of 'it doesn't matter because [reason]'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word comunque has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA transcription is /koˈmun.kwe/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word senza is a historical hybrid, blending the Latin word sine with the word absentia.
- The term riguardo shares a linguistic ancestry with the English word 'regard', both stemming from the idea of 'looking back' or 'looking toward' something.
- The Italian phrase senza riguardo conveys a stronger sense of 'without consideration' or 'recklessly' than the English 'anyway'.
Examples in context
- Che ora è, comunque?What time is it, anyway?This sentence is useful for asking the time with the nuance of 'anyway' using comunque.Tatoeba #3373325 by Guybrush88, translation #42729 by CM
- Chi è Tom, comunque?Who is Tom, anyway?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's identity with the nuance of 'anyway' using comunque.Tatoeba #5921681 by Guybrush88, translation #5757457 by CM
- Lui lo fece comunque.He did it anyway.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed regardless of circumstances using comunque.Tatoeba #2941752 by Guybrush88, translation #2556255 by Hybrid
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a change in plans.
- MatteoIl treno è in ritardo?Is the train late?
- GiuliaSì, ma io arriverò comunque.Yes, but I will arrive anyway.
- MatteoTi aspetto alla stazione.I will wait for you at the station.
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Matteo.Thanks a lot, Matteo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anyway” translations and entries comunque, tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (senza, riguardo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comunque, riguardo, senza, tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
