何でも

• Reading: なんでも
• Romaji: nandemo
• Kanji breakdown: 何 (ka/nani) — what
• Pronunciation: /nan.de.mo/

Meaning

Anything; everything; whatever; by all means.

An expression meaning 'anything' or 'everything' in affirmative contexts. Contrasts with 何も (nanimo, nothing) which requires negation. Common patterns: 何でもいい (nandemo ii, anything is fine), 何でも知っている (nandemo shitteiru, knows everything), 何でも屋 (nandemoya, jack of all trades). Expresses openness, versatility, or totality.

Examples

1. 好きなものを何でも注文していいよ。 Go ahead and order anything you like.
2. 困ったことがあったら何でも相談してください。 If you're having any trouble, please don't hesitate to ask about anything.
3. 彼女は何でもできるすごい人だ。 She's an amazing person who can do anything.

Usage Guide

Context: offers, conversation, descriptions

Tone: open

Origin & History

Compound of 何 (nan, what) and でも (demo, even/any). The particle でも transforms the question word into a universal pronoun meaning 'anything at all.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal