de todas maneras
/de todas maneɾas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'either way' is expressed as de todas maneras. Wiktionary also lists sea como sea.
Meaning: regardless of what happens (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de todas maneras | /de todas maneɾas/ (from spelling rules) |
| sea como sea | /sea komo sea/ (from spelling rules) |
De todas maneras is used to mean 'regardless of the outcome'. It also functions as a conversational filler meaning 'anyway' to change the subject.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de todas maneras literally translates to 'in all ways'.
Which one should you use?
While de todas maneras is a more general adverbial phrase for 'anyway' or 'regardless', sea como sea focuses more on the manner or method of how something happens, translating roughly to 'be it how it may'. You can also use the synonym de todas formas interchangeably in most contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/de todas maneɾas/
Did you know?
- While de todas maneras means 'either way', using the phrase de cualquier manera can sometimes imply that a task was done carelessly or 'any old way'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, de todas maneras is used as a polite way to soften a disagreement or a 'no' during a negotiation.
- The word manera in de todas maneras shares the same root as the English word 'manner', both descending from the Latin 'manus' meaning 'hand'.
Examples in context
- De todas maneras se entiende.It’s understood either way.This sentence shows how to use de todas maneras to indicate that something is understood regardless of the circumstances.Tatoeba #10704632 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10639716 by sacredceltic
- El resultado final puede ser cuestionable, pero de cualquier manera todos los datos se documentan adecuadamente.The final outcome may be debatable, but either way, all the data is properly documented.
- En cualquier caso, debemos tomar medidas para evitar que esto ocurra.Either way, we must take measures to prevent this from happening.
- Es necesario completar la tarea, en cualquier caso.It's necessary to complete the task, either way.
- No pienso ir a la fiesta, estoy ocupado, pero de todas formas gracias por la invitación.I don't plan on going to the party, I'm busy, but either way, thanks for the invitation.
- No tengo tiempo esta noche, pero podemos hablar al respecto de todas formas.I don't have time tonight, but we can talk about it either way.
- No deberías haberlo hecho, pero de todos modos, ya está hecho y no podemos cambiarlo.You shouldn't have done it, but either way, it's done and we can't change it.
- De todas maneras, te voy a llamar mañana.Either way, I am going to call you tomorrow.
- Él vendrá tarde, pero de todas maneras iremos.He will arrive late, but either way we will go.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing whether it will rain during their walk.
- Elena¿Crees que va a llover en el parque?Do you think it is going to rain in the park?
- DanielParece que sí, Elena.It looks like it, Elena.
- ElenaDe todas maneras, quiero salir a caminar.Either way, I want to go out for a walk.
- DanielEstá bien, yo te acompaño.Okay, I will accompany you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “either way” translations and entries de todas maneras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
