何が何でも

• Reading: なにがなんでも
• Romaji: nani ga nan demo
• Kanji breakdown: 何 (nani/nan/ka) — what, which
• Pronunciation: /na.ni.ɡa.naɴ.de.mo/

Meaning

By all means; at all costs; no matter what; come what may.

An emphatic adverbial expression meaning 'no matter what happens' or 'at any cost.' Combines the indefinite 何が (nani ga, whatever) + 何でも (nan demo, anything). Conveys absolute determination — the speaker will achieve their goal regardless of obstacles. Often followed by a volitional or desire expression. Stronger than どうしても (dōshitemo), implying near-desperate resolve.

Examples

1. 何が何でも明日までにこの仕事を終わらせる。 No matter what, I'm going to finish this work by tomorrow.
2. 彼は何が何でも大学に合格すると決めていた。 He had made up his mind to get into college no matter what.
3. 何が何でもチケットを手に入れたい。 I want to get my hands on that ticket at all costs.

Usage Guide

Context: determination, goals, daily life

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 何が (nani ga, whatever) + 何でも (nan demo, no matter what). The doubled use of 何 (what) intensifies the meaning, creating 'whatever it is, no matter what' — an expression of unshakeable determination.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal