Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'however' as one word for contrast or degree, but use 'how ever' as two words for surprised questions.
- Use 'however' (one word) to mean 'but' or 'nevertheless' in a sentence: 'I'm tired; however, I'll go.'
- Use 'however' (one word) before adjectives to mean 'to whatever extent': 'However hard I try, I fail.'
- Use 'how ever' (two words) to show extreme surprise in a question: 'How ever did you find me?'
Overview
however（1語）と how ever（2語）の使い分けです。これらは一見すると「スペースがあるかないか」だけの違いに見えますが、実際には文の中での機能が根本的に異なります。however は主に「逆説」や「譲歩」を表す接続副詞、あるいは「どんなに〜でも」という意味の副詞として機能します。一方で how ever は、疑問詞 how を強調し、驚きや困惑を表現するためのフレーズです。however を使いこなし、日常会話で感情豊かに how ever を使い分けるためのスキルを身につけていきましょう。この微細な違いをマスターすることで、あなたの英語はより正確で、より自然な響きを持つようになります。however が1語で使われる際、最も一般的な役割は「接続副詞（Conjunctive Adverb）」です。これは、前の文で述べた内容に対して「しかしながら」「それにもかかわらず」といった対照的な情報を付け加える時に使われます。however はあくまで「副詞」であるという点です。そのため、2つの独立した文（主語と動詞を備えた完全な文）をカンマだけで繋ぐことはできません。これは後述する「Common Mistakes」で詳しく触れますが、セミコロン（;）やピリオド（.）といった強い句読点が必要になります。The plan was perfect. However, we failed.（計画は完璧だった。しかし、私たちは失敗した。）
however の役割は、「どんなに〜でも」「どのように〜しても」という意味を表すものです。これは no matter how と言い換えることができ、程度や方法が結果に影響を与えないことを強調します。however の直後に形容詞や副詞が続くことが多いのが特徴です。However hard he tried, he couldn't pass the exam.（どんなに一生懸命努力しても、彼は試験に合格できなかった。）
how ever は、疑問詞の how に強調の ever が加わった形です。これは「一体全体どうやって」「どうしてそんなことが可能なのか」という、強い驚き、信じられない気持ち、あるいは困惑を表現します。how よりも、話し手の感情が強く乗っています。現代の書き言葉では how ever と2語に分けるのが一般的ですが、非常にカジュアルな場面や古い文献では however と綴られることもあります。しかし、学習者としては「強調の疑問は2語」と覚えておくのが最も安全で正確です。How ever did you find this place?（一体全体、どうやってこの場所を見つけたのですか？）
however の句読点の使い方は、日本人が最も間違いやすいポイントの一つです。Sentence A. However, Sentence B. / Sentence A; however, Sentence B. |However + Adj/Adv + Subject + Verb, ... |How ever + auxiliary verb + Subject + Verb ...? |- 1接続副詞の
however
- 文頭：
However, the results were different. - 文中（挿入）：
The results, however, were different. - 文末：
The results were different, however.（※文末はややカジュアル、または口語的）
- 1譲歩の
however
However fast you run, you can't catch the train.
However + 形容詞 fast + 主語 you + 動詞 run）- 1強調の
how ever
How ever did she manage to finish it?
How ever + 助動詞 did + 主語 she + 動詞 manage）however を使う場面：論理的な対照を示したいときhowever が大活躍します。日本語の「でも」は少し幼い印象を与えることがありますが、however を使うことで「前述の事実を認めつつ、別の側面を提示する」という知的なトーンを演出できます。- 就活（Job Hunting）の場面：
I have extensive experience in marketing. However, I am eager to learn more about your specific industry.however を使う場面：条件を限定しないときhowever を使います。これは柔軟性を持たせたい指示出しなどに便利です。- 職場（Workplace）での指示：
You can organize the files however you like.how ever を使う場面：強い感情を表現したいときhow ever を使います。単なる情報収集の質問ではなく、「信じられない！」というニュアンスを込めたい場合に最適です。- 友人との会話（Socializing）：
How ever did you get those concert tickets? They were sold out in seconds!- 家庭での驚き：
How ever did the cat get up there?however は副詞なので、接続詞の but のようには使えません。- ✕ Incorrect:
It was raining, however, we went out. - ○ Correct:
It was raining; however, we went out. - ○ Correct:
It was raining. However, we went out.
however を but と全く同じ「接続詞」だと思い込んでいるからです。but ならカンマで繋げますが、however は「文を繋ぐ力のない副詞」であることを意識しましょう。how ever と書いてしまうhow ever と書いてしまうミスです。- ✕ Incorrect:
I like coffee, how ever, I can't drink it at night. - ○ Correct:
I like coffee; however, I can't drink it at night.
how ever は「疑問」の時だけ、と自分に言い聞かせましょう。however の乱用however を使ってしまうと、日本語で友達に「しかしながら、私は〜」と言っているような、不自然に堅苦しい印象を与えてしまいます。- 不自然（Too formal）:
I want to go. However, I'm busy. - 自然（Natural）:
I want to go, but I'm busy./I want to go. I'm busy, though.
however や how ever と似た意味を持つ他の表現と比較してみましょう。状況に応じてこれらを使い分けられるようになると、表現の幅がぐんと広がります。It's small, but it's powerful. |however よりもさらに堅い表現。「それにもかかわらず」。 | The data was old; nevertheless, it was useful. |It's expensive. It's worth it, though. |how ever よりもさらに強い驚きや苛立ちを表す。「一体全体」。 | How on earth did you lose your keys again? |however と同義。より構造が明快で強調される。 | No matter how hard you study, rest is important. |However を文の最初に使ってもいいのですか？学校ではダメだと習った気がしますが…。However は避けるべき」という規範文法的な考え方もありましたが、現代の英語（ビジネス、アカデミック共）では、文頭で However, ... と始めるのは非常に一般的で正しい使い方です。自信を持って使ってください。how ever（2語）は、日常会話でよく使われますか？how や、より強い how on earth、how the hell（※下品なので注意）などの方がよく聞かれるかもしれません。しかし、how ever は「上品さを保ちつつ驚きを表現する」のに適した非常に便利なフレーズです。特にイギリス英語や、少し丁寧な話し方をする人の間で好まれます。however（どんなに〜でも）の後ろに、形容詞を置くのを忘れてしまいます。however (Degree) + fast (Adj) とセットで前に出す必要があります。However you are busy ではなく However busy you are と、「形容詞を磁石のように however に吸い寄せる」イメージを持つと克服しやすくなります。how ever と anyway は似ていますか？how ever は「一体どうやって？」という疑問の強調ですが、anyway は「とにかく」「それはさておき」という話題の転換や終結に使います。混同しないようにしましょう。however の句読点に気を配り、how ever で驚きを表現できるようになれば、あなたの英語コミュニケーションはよりスムーズで洗練されたものになるはずです。これからも 頑張りましょう！Placement of 'However' in a Sentence
| Position | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Beginning
|
However, [Clause].
|
However, the rain didn't stop.
|
|
Middle (Connector)
|
[Clause]; however, [Clause].
|
I am tired; however, I will go.
|
|
Middle (Parenthetical)
|
[Subject], however, [Verb]...
|
The cat, however, refused to move.
|
|
End
|
[Clause], however.
|
He didn't show up, however.
|
|
Degree
|
However + [Adj/Adv] + [Clause]
|
However fast he ran...
|
Meanings
The term 'however' is primarily a conjunctive adverb used to introduce a contrast or a statement that contradicts what was previously said. It can also function as an adverb of degree meaning 'in whatever way'.
Contrastive Connector
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
“I wanted to buy the car; however, it was too expensive.”
“The results were not what we expected; however, they were still useful.”
Adverb of Degree
Used to mean 'to whatever degree' or 'no matter how'.
“However much you eat, you never gain weight.”
“However hard he works, he can't seem to get ahead.”
Emphatic Question
The two-word form 'how ever' is used to express surprise, disbelief, or emphasis in a question.
“How ever did you manage to finish that so quickly?”
“How ever will we get all this luggage into the car?”
Reference Table
| 特徴 | However | How ever |
|---|---|---|
|
役割
|
対比や反対の内容を示す
|
how（どうやって）に驚きを添える
|
|
意味
|
しかし、それにもかかわらず
|
一体全体どうやって…？
|
|
フォーマル度
|
フォーマル（書き言葉・話し言葉）
|
カジュアル（主に話し言葉）
|
|
句読点
|
直後にカンマを置くことが多い
|
疑問文の一部なので特別な記号は不要
|
|
文の種類
|
肯定文・否定文
|
疑問文（直接・間接）
|
|
例文
|
He's a great friend. However, he's always late.
|
How ever did you get here so quickly?
|
|
別の意味
|
どんな方法でも（例：Do it however you want.）
|
なし
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The quarterly figures were disappointing; however, we anticipate a recovery in the next period. (Business Meeting)
The sales were low. However, we think they will go up soon. (Business Meeting)
Sales were bad, but I think they'll get better. (Business Meeting)
Sales flopped, but we're gonna bounce back fr. (Business Meeting)
However vs. How ever
どっちを使うべき？
反対の内容を繋げたい？
驚きやショックを込めて質問したい？
However の世界
接続詞として
- 意味：しかし He's rich. However, he's not happy.
- 句読点 Use with `;` or `.`
副詞として
- 意味：どんな方法でも Do it however you can.
- 句読点 No comma needed
いつ使うか
フォーマルな書き物
- • エッセイ
- • メール
- • レポート
カジュアルな会話
- • テキストメッセージ
- • おしゃべり
- • 驚いた時
レベル別の例文
I like apples. However, I do not like oranges.
It is raining. However, we can play inside.
How ever did you do that?
The dog is small. However, it is very loud.
The movie was long; however, it was very exciting.
I studied hard. However, the test was still difficult.
How ever did you find my keys in the grass?
She was tired; however, she finished her homework.
The company's profits increased; however, they still need to cut costs.
However hard I try, I cannot remember his name.
How ever will we manage to finish this project by Friday?
The hotel was expensive; however, the service was mediocre.
The theory is sound; however, the practical application remains problematic.
However you look at it, the situation is a complete disaster.
How ever did such a small mistake lead to such a huge problem?
The team played well. They did not, however, win the championship.
The legislation was passed; however, its implementation has been stalled by legal challenges.
However much the critics panned the film, the public seemed to adore it.
How ever could you have thought that such a plan would succeed?
The results are, however, subject to further verification by independent bodies.
The overarching narrative is compelling; however, the granular details often lack historical veracity.
However one might attempt to justify the decision, the ethical implications remain stark.
How ever did the artist manage to capture such ephemeral light with mere oil and canvas?
The hypothesis was initially rejected. It was, however, later vindicated by the discovery of new evidence.
間違えやすい
Both show contrast and are used similarly in sentences.
Learners use the same punctuation for both.
Both show contrast but have different sentence structures.
よくある間違い
I like cats, however I don't like dogs.
I like cats. However, I don't like dogs.
However you are?
How are you?
I am however happy.
I am, however, happy.
But however I like it.
However, I like it.
How ever much does it cost?
However much does it cost?
The car is old however it works.
The car is old; however, it works.
However did you find me?
How ever did you find me?
However hard he tried but he failed.
However hard he tried, he failed.
He was however, late.
He was, however, late.
I will go however it rains.
I will go even if it rains.
However, that the results were poor, we continued.
Despite the fact that the results were poor, we continued.
How ever did the results become so skewed?
How ever did the results become so skewed?
The plan was, however, flawed from the start.
The plan was, however, flawed from the start.
文型パターン
I wanted to ___, however, ___.
However ___ it is, I will ___.
How ever did you ___?
Real World Usage
I don't have experience in sales; however, I am a very quick learner.
How ever did you get those tickets?!
The initial hypothesis was supported; however, further testing is required.
We apologize for the delay; however, your package has now been shipped.
However you look at it, that was an amazing performance.
However long the flight is, I'm just happy to be going.
「But」に置き換えられる？
カンマだけで繋がないで！
「どんな方法で」と言い換えられる？
How ever did you do that?
フォーマル度の違い
But why?Smart Tips
Replace every second 'but' with '; however,' to make your writing sound more academic.
Don't look for a contrast; look for the meaning 'no matter how'.
Avoid 'how ever' and stick to 'how' unless you really want to sound shocked.
Move 'however' right after the word you want to highlight.
発音
Stress on 'ever'
In the two-word 'how ever', the word 'ever' is often stressed to show surprise.
Stress on 'how'
In the one-word 'however', the stress is usually on the second syllable.
Rising Intonation for Surprise
How EVER did you do that? ↗️
Conveys disbelief or amazement.
暗記しよう
記憶術
One word for 'but', two words for 'What?!'
視覚的連想
Imagine a bridge made of one solid stone (However) connecting two islands. Then imagine a person jumping in the air with their arms wide apart (How ever) because they are so surprised.
Rhyme
When contrast is what you've got, one word is the spot. When surprise is in your head, use two words instead.
Story
A traveler reached a river. He wanted to cross; however, there was no bridge. He looked at the water and shouted, 'How ever will I get across?' Suddenly, a giant turtle appeared. However scary it looked, he decided to ride it.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences: one using 'however' to mean 'but', one using 'however' to mean 'no matter how', and one using 'how ever' to show surprise.
文化メモ
British speakers are slightly more likely to maintain the two-word 'how ever' distinction in formal writing than American speakers.
In academic writing globally, 'however' is the preferred transition word to show critical thinking and counter-arguments.
In casual digital communication, 'however' is often replaced by 'tho' at the end of a sentence.
From Middle English 'hou' (how) + 'ever' (at any time).
会話のきっかけ
What is a food you usually like, but hate when it's cooked a certain way?
How ever did you decide on your current career path?
Tell me about a time you were very surprised. How ever did you react?
However hard you study, what is one subject that is still difficult for you?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesI really wanted to go to the party; ________, I had too much work.
________ did you manage to bake such a beautiful cake?
Find and fix the mistake:
The car is very old, however it is still reliable.
hard / however / he / he / tried / failed
You can use 'however' at the very end of a sentence.
________ much it costs, I'm going to buy that phone.
1. Contrast, 2. Degree, 3. Surprise
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises____ did you convince your boss to give you a raise?
正しい文を選んでください：
The defendant was clearly guilty, how ever, the jury found him not guilty.
単語を並べ替えて文を作ってください：
「彼らが一体どうやってあんなに早くあれを建てたのか、さっぱり分からない」を英語にしてください。
文の前半と後半を組み合わせてください：
She's an incredibly talented musician. ____, she lacks confidence on stage.
最もフォーマルな文を選んでください：
However did she manage to get here in the snow?
You can submit your project ____ you like, as long as it's before the deadline.
単語を並べ替えて文を作ってください：
Score: /11
よくある質問 (8)
Yes! It is perfectly fine to start a sentence with `However,` followed by a comma. It's a great way to transition between two separate sentences.
Technically, yes, when used for emphasis. However, in modern casual writing, many people use the one-word version. For exams or formal writing, use two words.
`But` is a conjunction that joins clauses with a comma. `However` is an adverb that needs a semicolon or a period.
When it's at the start of a sentence or after a semicolon, yes. When it's used for degree (e.g., `however hard`), it does not.
`Howsoever` is an old-fashioned, very formal version of `however`. You might see it in legal texts, but you shouldn't use it in daily life.
Because it acts like a conjunction (joining ideas) but it's grammatically an adverb (modifying the whole clause).
Yes. For example: 'You can dress however you want.' This is a common informal usage.
Spanish speakers often use a comma before `however` because `sin embargo` works that way in Spanish. In English, this is a 'comma splice' error.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Sin embargo / Como quiera que
Spanish punctuation is more flexible with 'sin embargo'.
Cependant / Pourtant
French doesn't distinguish between one-word and two-word emphatic 'how'.
Jedoch / Wie auch immer
German word order (V2) changes when 'jedoch' is used.
しかし (Shikashi) / いかに (Ikani)
Japanese contrast markers often come at the end of the first clause.
لكن (Lakin) / مهما (Mahma)
Arabic doesn't have a specific 'how ever' emphatic question form.
然而 (Rán'ér) / 无论如何 (Wúlùn rúhé)
Chinese doesn't use punctuation like semicolons to separate these ideas.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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03:46 The Lord of the Rings (2002) - The final Battle - Part 4 - Theoden Rides Forth [4K]
26:47 Henry VIII - OverSimplified
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01:57 [ENG] Daemon Targaryen Singing to Vermithor | High Valyrian Dragon Song Translation
However / But / Although の使い分け
Hapa 英会話
意外と知らない However の正しい使い方とパンクチュエーション
Atsueigo
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