とにかく
tonikaku
The Japanese word for "anyways" is とにかく (tonikaku).
とにかく is used to change the subject or to return to a previous point in a conversation.
Which one should you use?
While とにかく focuses on the current point, それはともかく is used more specifically to mean "setting that matter aside" when changing the subject. For a more formal expression meaning "at any rate" or "either way," use いずれにせよ.
How do you pronounce it?
tonikaku
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'anyways' to soften a transition, saying とにかく too often in Japanese can actually make you sound more aggressive and impatient with your listener.
- While it means 'anyways', とにかく can be used as a command to express 'just do it' or 'anyway, please'.
- The word とにかく can be used as a standalone response to tell a listener that a situation is too complex to explain and they should just accept the result.
Examples in context
- もう遅いけど、とにかく行こう。It's already late, but let's go anyway.
- 彼女は来るかどうかわからないけど、いずれにせよ待ってみましょう。We don't know if she's coming, but let's wait either way.
- まあ、どうせ彼は来ないだろう。Well, he probably won't come anyway.
- とにかく楽しんできてください！Anyways, please have fun!
- とにかく、食べましょう。Tonikaku, tabemashou.Anyways, let's eat.
- とにかく、やってみます。Tonikaku, yattemimasu.Anyways, I will give it a try.
- とにかく、明日また話しましょう。Tonikaku, ashita mata hanashimashou.Anyways, let's talk again tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult project at a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaこのプロジェクトは少し難しいですね。Kono purojekuto wa sukoshi muzukashii desu ne.This project is a bit difficult, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、でもとにかく頑張りましょう！Hai, demo tonikaku ganbarimashou!Yes, but anyways, let's do our best!
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは本当に前向きですね。Himari-san wa hontou ni maemuki desu ne.Himari, you are really positive.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。さあ、仕事に戻りますね。Arigatou gozaimasu. Saa, shigoto ni modorimasu ne.Thank you. Well, I'm going back to work now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry とにかく, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
