Japanese word

とにかく

Pronunciation

Romajitonikaku

Meaning

  • adverbanyway

Example

とにかく行きます。to ni ka ku i ki ma su

Anyway, I will go.

Illustration for とにかく (anyway)

More examples

とにかくやってみます。to ni ka ku ya tte mi ma su

Anyway, I will try.

とにかく一度試してみましょう。to ni ka ku ichi do tame shi te mi ma shō

Anyway, let's give it a try.

Core concept

Marks a decision or statement as unaffected by other details, often moving directly to the main point.

Common phrases

  • とにかく行くto ni ka ku i ku

    go anyway

  • とにかくやってみるto ni ka ku ya tte mi ru

    try it anyway

  • とにかく急ぐto ni ka ku iso gu

    hurry anyway

Similar words

ともかくtomokaku: Puts aside surrounding matters and proceeds to the main point.
ともあれtomoare: Moves forward while leaving the details of the matter unresolved.
どうせdōse: Indicates acceptance of an outcome as unavoidable, sometimes with resignation.

Definition in Japanese

他の事情や条件を問題にせず、まずそのことを行うさま。hoka no ji jō ya jō ken o mon dai ni se zu ma zu so no ko to o okona u sa ma

Word origin

The adverb とにかく (tonikaku) comes from the older form とにかくに (tonikakuni), which contains かく (kaku, "thus").

Usage tips

  • When とにかく (tonikaku) begins a reply, it can signal that the speaker will proceed without settling every detail.

Word lists with this word