反正
fǎnzhèng
The English word "anyways" can be translated into Chinese as 反正 (fǎnzhèng).
反正 is used to indicate that a certain conclusion or situation remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances mentioned, similar to the English phrase "in any case".
Which one should you use?
While 反正 is an informal translation for anyways, you may use 无论如何 or 总之 in more formal contexts to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, 反正 typically functions as an adverb and is placed before the subject or the verb to set the tone for the statement.
How do you pronounce it?
fǎnzhèng
Did you know?
- The word 反正 literally translates to 'opposite side' or 'reverse side'. It creates the sense of 'no matter which side you look at, the result is the same'.
- While 反正 means 'anyways' in a conversation, it also functions as a noun meaning 'the reverse' or 'the opposite' in contexts like turning over a piece of paper.
- When using 反正 to justify a decision, Chinese speakers often pair it with a trailing 嘛 particle at the end of the sentence to make the 'anyways' sound more like a persuasive argument.
Examples in context
- 无论如何，我们必须继续努力。Anyways, we must keep working hard.
- 我没听懂你说的，反正也无所谓了。I didn't understand what you said, but anyways, it doesn't matter.
- 不管怎样，我们都要一起去吃晚饭。Anyways, we should all go out for dinner together.
- 反正我不去。Anyway, I'm not going.
- 反正他不会来的。fǎnzhèng tā bù huì lái de.Anyway, he is not coming.
- 反正我也没钱。fǎnzhèng wǒ yě méi qián.Anyway, I don't have any money either.
- 这件事反正没那么简单。zhè jiàn shì fǎnzhèng méi nà me jiǎn dān.Anyway, this matter is not that simple.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你想吃披萨还是面条？nǐ xiǎng chī pīsà háishì miàntiáo?Do you want pizza or noodles?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我都行，随便你。wǒ dōu xíng, suíbiàn nǐ.Either is fine, it's up to you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang反正我什么都想吃。fǎnzhèng wǒ shénme dōu xiǎng chī.Anyways, I want to eat everything.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那我们就去吃披萨吧。nà wǒmen jiù qù chī pīsà ba.Then let's go eat pizza.
