peu importe comment
In French, "no matter how" is translated as peu importe comment.
Used to say that the way something is done does not change the result.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of peu (little), importe (matters/is important) and comment (how).
Which one should you use?
When 'no matter how' refers to the intensity or degree of an adjective or adverb rather than the method, use peu importe à quel point instead of peu importe comment.
Did you know?
- The word peu is a cognate of the English word 'few', as both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'little'.
- In casual conversation, peu importe can be used as a complete sentence to mean 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter'.
- The verb importer can be a false friend for English speakers. While it usually means 'to import goods', when used with 'peu' it means 'to matter' or 'to be of importance'.
Examples in context
- Quoi que soit la difficulté de la tâche, nous devons persévérer.No matter how difficult the task, we must persevere
- Peu importe le prix, j'achèterai cette robe.No matter how much it costs, I will buy that dress
- Peu importe comment tu le fais, le résultat sera le même.No matter how you do it, the result will be the same.
- Peu importe comment tu le fais.No matter how you do it.
- Peu importe comment nous arrivons là.No matter how we get there.
- Peu importe comment elle range ses affaires.No matter how she organizes her things.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a difficult task at work.
- EmmaPeu importe comment on s'y prend, c'est difficile.No matter how we approach it, it's difficult.
- GabrielTu as raison, Emma.You're right, Emma.
- EmmaMais on doit essayer quand même.But we must try anyway.
- GabrielD'accord, on va trouver une solution.Okay, we will find a solution.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comment, peu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
