どんなに
The English phrase 'no matter how' is translated into Japanese as どんなに.
The expression どんなに～だろうと can be used in both casual and slightly formal situations to mean 'no matter how.'
What does it mean word for word?
どんなに is an adverbial form meaning 'to what extent' or 'how much.' It is derived from どんな (what kind of) and the particle に which indicates manner or extent.
Which one should you use?
While どんなに emphasizes the degree or intensity of a state or action, it is distinct from どのように, which focuses on the manner or method of an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase どんなに is typically paired with a verb in the -te form plus も to express the sense of 'no matter how.'
Did you know?
- In Japanese lyrics and song titles, どんなに is frequently used as a dramatic opener to a chorus. It signals to the listener that a grand, emotional confession of longing or effort is about to follow.
- Japanese speakers often pair どんなに with the word ても to create a 'concessive' clause. This structure is so common that it mirrors the English 'no matter' by conceptually creating a wall that the following action cannot overcome.
- The root word どんな is used to ask 'what kind of'. In some regional dialects, the way どんな is inflected can change the nuance from a simple question to a expression of disbelief or shock.
Examples in context
- どんなに眠くても、歯は磨きなさい。No matter how sleepy you are, brush your teeth.This sentence shows how to use どんなに to express 'no matter how sleepy'.Tatoeba #199487 by small_snow, translation #1475472 by CK
- どんなに文句言おうが、何も変わんないさ。No matter how much you complain, it's not going to change anything.This sentence uses どんなに to say 'no matter how much' regarding complaining.Tatoeba #11735143 by small_snow, translation #10017235 by DJ_Saidez
- どんなに速く走っても間に合わないだろうね。No matter how fast you run, you won't be in time.This sentence demonstrates the use of どんなに for 'no matter how fast'.Tatoeba #199515 by KK_kaku_, translation #1477109 by CK
- どんなに忙しくても、彼は家族のために時間を作ります。No matter how busy he is, he always makes time for his family.
- いくら勉強しても、試験の結果が変わりません。No matter how much you study, the test results won't change.
- どんなに難しくても、あきらめないでください。No matter how difficult it is, please don't give up.
- どんなに高くてもNo matter how expensive it is.
- いくら頑張ってもNo matter how hard you try.
- どんなに冷たくてもNo matter how cold it is.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student asking a mentor for advice on a difficult task.
- 蓮 Renどんなに難しい問題でも、諦めないでください。donnani muzukashii mondai demo, akiramenaide kudasai.No matter how difficult the problem is, please don't give up.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、蓮さん。頑張ります。hai, Ren-san. ganbarimasu.Yes, Ren. I will do my best.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんなら、きっとできますよ。Himari-san nara, kitto dekimasu yo.You can surely do it, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。とても心強いです。arigatou gozaimasu. totemo kokorozuyoi desu.Thank you. That is very encouraging.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
