Japanese word

何とも

Pronunciation

Romajinantomo

Meaning

  • adverbreally

Example

これは何とも不思議です。ko re wa nan to mo fu shi gi de su

This is really strange.

Illustration for 何とも (really)

More examples

先生の助言は何ともありがたいです。sen sei no jo gen wa nan to mo a ri ga ta i de su

I am truly grateful for my teacher's advice.

Core concept

Adds strong emphasis to a description while suggesting that the speaker feels its quality deeply.

Common phrases

  • 何とも言えないnan to mo i e na i

    hard to say

  • 何とも美しいnan to mo utsuku shi i

    truly beautiful

  • 何ともありがたいnan to mo a ri ga ta i

    truly grateful

Similar words

本当にhontōni: Expresses strong emphasis while presenting the description as true or genuine.
実にjitsuni: Adds strong emphasis to an evaluation or description, often in a formal style.
とてもtotemo: Shows that a quality or state has a high degree.

Definition in Japanese

程度や状態を強調し、非常にそうであることを表す。tei do ya jō tai o kyō chō shi hi jō ni sō de a ru ko to o arawa su

Word origin

The form 何とも (nantomo) is made from 何 (nan, "what") and とも (tomo, "also"), with the combination developing an emphatic sense beyond a simple question.

Usage tips

  • 何とも (nantomo) can intensify a description such as "really strange," while in 何ともいえない (nantomo ienai) it helps convey that a feeling is difficult to describe precisely.

Word lists with this word