とにかく
The Japanese word for 'anyway' is とにかく.
とにかく is used in informal speech to mean 'anyway'.
Meaning: regardless (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, とにかく conveys the sense of 'at any rate' or 'in any case'.
Which one should you use?
While とにかく can mean 'anyway' in the sense of 'regardless', it is more focused on 'at any rate' (prioritizing one thing over others) than the English 'anyway' used to return to a previous topic.
Did you know?
- When someone is very flustered or insistent, they might repeat the word as とにかくとにかく, which functions as a way to push through a conversation to get to the main point.
- The word とにかく is frequently paired with the phrase とりあえず, which means 'for the time being'. While similar, とりあえず is specifically used when taking a first step, such as ordering a drink first at a restaurant.
- To return to a previous topic in a more polite or formal way, Japanese speakers often avoid とにかく and instead use それはさておき, which literally means 'setting that aside'.
Examples in context
- とにかく有難う。Thanks anyway.This sentence shows how to use とにかく.Tatoeba #200437 by arnab, translation #485099 by Scott
- とにかく始めてみよう。Let's get started anyway.This sentence demonstrates using とにかく.Tatoeba #1073494 by bunbuku, translation #37648 by CM
- とにかく明日電話するよ。Anyway, I'll call you tomorrow.This sentence illustrates how to use とにかく.Tatoeba #200438 by bunbuku, translation #12602312 by CK
- とにかく、今回のプロジェクトの課題を解決しなければなりません。Anyway, we must solve the issues in this project.
- とにかく、旅行に行ってみようよ！Anyway, let's give traveling a try!
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about a difficult task.
- 美咲 Misakiこの問題は少し難しいね。Kono mondai wa sukoshi muzukashii ne.This problem is a little difficult, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。でも、とにかくやってみよう。Sou dane. Demo, tonikaku yatte miyou.That's true. But, anyway, let's try it.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君ならできると思うよ。Ren-kun nara dekiru to omou yo.I think you can do it, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。頑張るよ。Arigatou. Ganbaru yo.Thanks. I'll do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry とにかく, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
