de todos modos
/de ˌtodos ˈmodos/
The English phrase 'anyways' is translated into Spanish as de todos modos.
de todos modos is used to mean regardless of what has just been mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, de todos modos means 'of all ways' or 'of all modes'.
Which one should you use?
While de todos modos uses the masculine plural 'modos' (modes/ways), you may also encounter de todas formas, which uses the feminine plural 'formas' (ways/forms) to convey the same meaning of 'in any case' or 'anyway'.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˌtodos ˈmodos/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, de todos modos can be swapped for igual, which literally means 'equal' or 'the same'.
- In very informal settings, especially in Mexico, you might hear como quiera used where an English speaker would say 'anyways'.
- The word modos doesn't just mean 'ways' in a physical sense, but also refers to a person's 'manners' or 'etiquette' in Spanish.
Examples in context
- De todos modos, no tenemos otra opción.Anyways, we have no other choice.This sentence shows how to use de todos modos to begin a sentence.Tatoeba #4686649 by DarkHollow, translation #4686613 by astriddegaste
- Hablando de política, de todas formas, ¿qué opinas sobre las elecciones?Speaking of politics, anyway, what do you think about the elections?
- Estas son las conclusiones. En todo caso, podemos evaluar más opciones en la siguiente reunión.These are the conclusions. Anyhow, we can evaluate more options in the next meeting.
- No te preocupes por eso. De todos modos, no era tan importante.Don't worry about that. Anyways, it wasn't that important.
- Eso no importa. Total, ya no podemos hacer nada al respecto.That doesn't matter. Anyways, we can't do anything about it anymore.
- No me gusta comer verduras en general. En todo caso, prefiero las ensaladas.I don't like eating vegetables in general. Anyhow, I prefer salads.
- De todos modos, me gusta mucho tu idea.Anyways, I really like your idea.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a movie that was too long.
- DanielLa película fue muy larga y aburrida.The movie was very long and boring.
- LucíaDe todos modos, la música era excelente.Anyways, the music was excellent.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía, la música era muy buena.You are right, Lucía, the music was very good.
- LucíaSí, de todos modos, fue una buena experiencia.Yes, anyways, it was a good experience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry de todos modos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
Bien dicho