comunque
/koˈmun.kwe/
The English phrase 'anyways' can be translated into Italian as comunque.
comunque is used to mean 'anyways' or 'regardless'. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it functions as a discourse marker to transition to a new topic or return to a previous one, much like the English 'anyways'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the adverb come (how) and the suffix -unque (ever), literally meaning 'how ever' or 'in whatever way'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Northern Italy, the word Poi is used to mean 'anyways'.
How does it change in a sentence?
comunque is an invariable adverb, which means it does not change its form for gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /koˈmun.kwe/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
To redirect a conversation informally, you can use the phrase Come dicevo, which means 'as I was saying'.
Did you know?
- In spoken Italian, comunque is often shortened to cmq in text messages and social media, mirroring the English 'anyway'.
- While comunque is a versatile tool for changing subjects, using it too frequently in a formal speech can make you sound indecisive or disorganized.
- The suffix -unque in comunque is used to create a whole family of 'ever' words, such as ovunque for 'wherever' and qualunque for 'whichever'.
Examples in context
- Tom lo fece comunque.Tom did it anyways.This sentence shows how to use comunque to mean 'anyways' at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #5792333 by Guybrush88, translation #4498039 by CK
- Non voleva comunque la pizza.He didn't want the pizza anyways.This sentence demonstrates the use of comunque to mean 'anyways' in a negative context.Tatoeba #13386367 by Guybrush88, translation #12946779 by Conjuice
- Comunque, non è così importante.Anyways, that's not that important.This sentence illustrates using comunque as a discourse marker at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #9742668 by Guybrush88, translation #9400933 by DJ_Saidez
- Non sono interessato a partecipare, comunque grazie!I'm not interested in participating, anyway, thanks!
- Non ho tempo per incontrarti oggi, ma in ogni caso, ti chiamo domani.I don't have time to meet you today, but in any case, I'll call you tomorrow.
- Non mi piace molto, ma vabbè, andiamo a cena.I don't really like it, but anyways, let's go to dinner.
- Mi ha chiamato per scusarsi, insomma.He called me to apologize, anyways.
- Non avevo tempo, poi non mi interessava neanche.I didn't have time, and anyways, I wasn't interested either.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are talking about work, but Giulia wants to change the subject.
- GiuliaIl progetto è finito, ma è stato difficile.The project is finished, but it was difficult.
- MatteoSì, però ora possiamo riposare.Yes, but now we can rest.
- GiuliaComunque, cosa facciamo stasera?Anyways, what are we doing tonight?
- MatteoPotremmo andare a cena fuori.We could go out for dinner.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comunque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
