peu importe
/pø ɛ̃.pɔʁt/
In French, the phrase 'either way' can be translated as peu importe. Wiktionary also lists dans un cas comme dans l'autre.
Meaning: regardless of what happens (adv)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| peu importe | /pø ɛ̃.pɔʁt/ |
| dans un cas comme dans l'autre | /dɑ̃.z‿œ̃ ka kɔm dɑ̃ l‿otʁ/ /dɑ̃.z‿œ̃ kɑ kɔm dɑ̃ l‿otʁ/ |
The English phrase 'either way' is used to indicate that something will be the case regardless of what happens or which option is chosen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dans un cas comme dans l'autre literally translates to 'in one case as in the other'.
Which one should you use?
Peu importe is a concise and idiomatic way to express 'either way' or 'it doesn't matter'. In contrast, dans un cas comme dans l'autre is a more explicit and structured way to express the same concept.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use dans un cas comme dans l'autre, De toute manière, Quoi qu'il en soit or En tout cas (which can also mean 'anyway'). In informal conversations, De toute façon is used to mean 'either way' or 'anyway'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pø ɛ̃.pɔʁt/
Did you know?
- The phrase peu importe is actually a shorthand for il importe peu, where the subject il is omitted over time.
- In casual speech, de toute façon often functions as a conversational 'full stop' to end an argument regardless of the other person's point.
- The word peu in the phrase peu importe shares a common ancestor with the English word 'few', as both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'small' or 'little'.
Examples in context
- Que vous choisissiez A ou B, de toute manière, le résultat sera le même.Whether you choose A or B, either way, the result will be the same.
- Peu importe s'il pleut ou non.Regardless of whether it rains or not.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing plans for a walk outdoors.
- NathanTu veux sortir malgré le vent ?Do you want to go out despite the wind?
- LéaOui, peu importe la météo.Yes, regardless of the weather.
- NathanD'accord, on y va alors.Okay, let's go then.
- LéaSuper, je suis prête.Great, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “either way” translations and entries peu importe, dans un cas comme dans l'autre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cas, comme, dans, peu, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
