～でも[Wh. word]でも

• Reading: でもでも
• Romaji: demo demo
• Formation: Noun + でも + Wh-word + でも / Noun + でも + Noun + でも

Meaning

A structure meaning 'whether X or whatever,' indicating that what is expressed in the main clause holds true regardless of the specific case. It expresses universality or indifference to the particular choice.

The ～でも[Wh. word]でも pattern combines a specific example with an open-ended interrogative to emphasize that the statement applies universally. Common forms include AでもBでも (whether A or B), 誰でも何でも (anyone or anything), and structures like 雨でも何でも (rain or whatever). The first でも introduces a concrete case, while the Wh-word + でも extends it to all possibilities. This pattern is more emphatic than simply using でも alone and often conveys determination, resignation, or an expansive attitude. It differs from ～にしても～にしても, which presents two specific alternatives, whereas ～でも[Wh. word]でも opens up to unlimited possibilities.

Examples

1. 雨でも何でも、明日の試合は予定通り行われる。 Rain or whatever, tomorrow's match will be held as scheduled.
2. 誰でも何でも、規則を守らなければ入場は認められない。 Whoever it is, anyone who doesn't follow the rules will not be permitted to enter.
3. 平日でも休日でも、彼は毎朝六時に起きる。 Whether it's a weekday or a holiday, he wakes up at six every morning.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 暑くても寒くても、彼女は毎日ジョギングを欠かさない。
• 賛成でも反対でも、まずは全員の意見を聞くべきだ。
• 国内でも海外でも、この製品は高い評価を得ている。

Don't Say

• 犬でも何でも好きです。 (Using でも何でも to express a simple preference — this pattern emphasizes 'regardless of type,' not fondness for variety) → 犬も猫も、動物は何でも好きです。
• 今日でも何でも暇だ。 (Using でも何でも to describe a single state — the pattern requires a context where universal applicability across conditions matters) → 今日は特に予定がなくて暇だ。

Origin & History

This pattern uses the particle でも (even/or) doubled with an interrogative word to create a comprehensive 'no matter what' construction. The structure has roots in classical Japanese concessive patterns and became grammaticalized in the modern language as a way to express totality of scope.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal