de toute façon
/də tut fa.sɔ̃/
The English phrase 'anyways' can be translated into French as de toute façon.
De toute façon is used to change the subject or to return to a previous point in a conversation. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence to shift the topic, or at the end of a sentence to provide a concluding justification.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of de (of/from), toute (all/any) and façon (way/manner/fashion), literally meaning 'in any way' or 'in any fashion'.
Which one should you use?
De toute manière is a synonymous alternative to de toute façon and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use quoi qu'il en soit for a more formal tone, meaning 'whatever the case may be', 'no matter what' or 'be that as it may'. In informal settings, particularly in France, you might use bref to mean 'anyway' or the phrase enfin bref to mean 'anyway' or 'anyways'.
How do you pronounce it?
/də tut fa.sɔ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, using de toute façon at the end of a sentence can sometimes sound dismissive or imply that the previous argument is no longer worth discussing.
- The English word 'faction' is a borrowed doublet of the French façon, as both originate from the Latin word 'factiōnem'.
- The informal bref is frequently used as a one-word sentence to signal a desire to end a conversation or a specific topic immediately.
Examples in context
- Il faut que je me lève de toute façon.I have to get up anyways.This sentence shows how to use de toute façon at the end of a sentence to provide a justification.Tatoeba #4591345 by LoveWindPower, translation #2360495 by CK
- De toute façon je ne l'ai jamais apprécié.I never liked him, anyways.This sentence shows how to use de toute façon at the beginning of a sentence to transition or change the subject.Tatoeba #12284161 by MeLearningJapanese, translation #8988663 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Je ne suis pas d'accord avec toi, mais en tout cas, merci pour ton opinion.I don't agree with you, but anyways, thank you for your opinion.
- Nous devons avancer avec le projet, quoi qu'il en soit.We need to move forward with the project, anyways.
- Je lui ai dit que je n'étais pas intéressé. Bref, j'ai parlé avec quelqu'un d'autre.I told him that I wasn't interested. Anyways, I talked to someone else.
- Enfin bref, on a décidé de partir en vacances tous ensemble.Anyways, we decided to go on vacation together.
- On a hésité entre rester ou partir. En fin de compte, on a décidé de rentrer à la maison.We hesitated between staying or leaving. Anyways, we decided to go back home.
- De toute façon, on peut toujours réessayer demain.Anyways, we can always try again tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a failed plan at a cafe.
- ChloéLe restaurant était complet, c'est dommage.The restaurant was full, it's a shame.
- NathanDe toute façon, on n'avait pas vraiment faim.Anyways, we weren't even that hungry.
- ChloéC'est vrai, Nathan. On devrait plutôt rentrer.That's true, Nathan. We should probably head home.
- NathanBonne idée, je suis fatigué.Good idea, I'm tired.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry de toute façon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, de toute façon, façon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
