Japanese word

ともあれ

Pronunciation

Romajitomoare

Meaning

  • adverbanyway

Example

ともあれ、話を続けましょう。to mo a re hanashi o tsuzu ke ma shō

Anyway, let's continue the conversation.

Illustration for ともあれ (anyway)

More examples

理由はともあれ、まず相手の話を聞きましょう。ri yū wa to mo a re ma zu ai te no hanashi o ki ki ma shō

Whatever the reason, let's listen to the other person first.

Core concept

Treats the preceding circumstances as set aside, whether or not they are settled, and turns to the matter at hand.

Similar words

とにかくtonikaku: In any case, the speaker sets aside details and proceeds to the main point.
ともかくtomokaku: Whatever the circumstances, the speaker moves forward without resolving them first.
ともかくもtomokakumo: Surrounding circumstances are left unresolved as attention turns to the matter at hand.
何はともあれnanwatomoare: Whatever else may be true, the speaker turns to the matter at hand first.

Definition in Japanese

前の事情をひとまず問題にせず、次の話題や行動に移る意を表す語。mae no ji jō o hi to ma zu mon dai ni se zu tsugi no wa dai ya kō dō ni utsu ru i o arawa su go

Word origin

ともあれ (tomoare) comes from the set phrase ともあれかくもあれ (tomoare kakuare), "whether this is so or that," and keeps its sense of setting alternatives aside.

Usage tips

  • ともあれ (tomoare) can sound more deliberate and formal than casual "anyway," especially when it redirects a discussion to its main point.

Word lists with this word