Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'whichever' for a limited set of choices and 'whatever' when the options are unlimited or unknown.
- Use 'whichever' when choosing from a specific group: 'Pick whichever dress you like.'
- Use 'whatever' for anything at all: 'Do whatever makes you happy.'
- Both words mean 'it doesn't matter which/what' in the context of the sentence.
Overview
whichever と whatever の使い分けです。これらは日本語に訳すとどちらも「〜なものは何でも」「〜な方はどれでも」といった似たような表現になるため、混同されやすいのですが、実は「選択肢の範囲」という決定的な違いがあります。whatever は「制限のない、無限の選択肢」を指し、whichever は「限定された、特定の選択肢」の中から選ぶ際に使われます。この違いを理解することは、英語のネイティブスピーカーが頭の中でどのように「選択」を捉えているかを理解することに繋がります。例えば、レストランでメニューを渡された時と、冷蔵庫の中にあるものから何かを作る時では、使うべき単語が変わってくるのです。whichever と whatever は、文法的には「関係代名詞（relative pronoun）」または「関係限定詞（relative determiner）」として機能します。これらは名詞節（文の中で名詞の役割をする塊）を作り、文の主語や目的語になります。Whatever+ 名詞: 「どんな〜でも（制限なし）」Whichever+ 名詞: 「どの〜でも（限定された中から）」
Whatever color you like. | Whichever color you like (between red and blue). |Whatever: 「何でも（anything that）」Whichever: 「どれでも（any one that）」
whichever という語に込める必要があります。もしここで whatever を使ってしまうと、「この場にあるものに限らず、何でも（例えば店にある商品すべてなど）」という、意図しない広い意味に聞こえてしまう可能性があるのです。whatever / whichever + (名詞) + 主語 + 動詞 という形が一般的です。- 1目的語になる場合
You can eat whatever you like.（何でも好きなものを食べていいよ。）You can take whichever you prefer.（（提示されたものから）好きな方をどちらでも取っていいよ。）
- 1主語になる場合
Whatever he says is true.（彼が言うことは何でも真実だ。）Whichever is cheaper will be chosen.（（2つのうち）安い方が選ばれるだろう。）
no matter what や no matter which と書き換えることができます。Whatever happens, I will support you.（何が起ころうとも、私はあなたを支えます。）Whichever team wins, it will be a great game.（（対戦している）どちらのチームが勝っても、素晴らしい試合になるだろう。）
whatever you choose となり、語順の感覚は比較的近いです。ただし、英語では whatever 自体が節の先頭に来るというルールを忘れないようにしましょう。また、日本語では主語を省略しがちですが（例：「どれでもいいよ」）、英語では Whichever you like is fine. のように、節の中に主語（you）と動詞（like）をしっかり含めるのが基本です。- Whatever を使う場合:
Whatever you're having is fine.（あなたが飲むものなら何でもいいよ）や Whatever is easiest.（一番簡単なものでいいよ）と言います。これは選択肢を限定していない状態です。- Whichever を使う場合:
Whichever is fresher.（どちらか新鮮な方で）や I'll have whichever you recommend.（おすすめの方をどちらでも）と言います。選択肢が明確に2つに絞られているからです。- Whatever:
Please report whatever problems arise. となります。- Whichever:
Please choose whichever day is convenient for you. となります。月・火という限定された範囲があるからです。- Whichever:
Whichever route you take, it takes 30 minutes. です。- Whatever:
Whatever way you go, you mustn't be late. となります。Whatever と答えると、文脈によっては「どうでもいいよ（興味ない）」という投げやりな、あるいは失礼なニュアンス（Dismissive）に聞こえてしまうことがあります。限定された選択肢に対しては、必ず Whichever を使うように心がけると、より丁寧で前向きな印象を与えます。whatever を使ってしまう- 間違い:
Here are two pens. Take whatever one you want. - 正しい:
Here are two pens. Take whichever one you want. - 解説: 目の前に2本のペンという明確な範囲があるため、
whicheverが適切です。ここでwhateverを使うと、ネイティブスピーカーは「え、この2本以外にも、世界中のどこからかペンを持ってきていいの？」と一瞬戸惑ってしまいます。
any との混同whatever と any は似ていますが、使い方が異なります。any は単なる限定詞ですが、whatever は節（主語＋動詞を含む塊）を作ることができます。- 不自然:
You can eat whatever food.（文が終わっていない感じがします） - 正しい:
You can eat any food.またはYou can eat whatever food you like. - 解説:
whateverを使う場合は、その後にyou likeやis availableなどの節を続けるのが一般的です。単に「どんな〜でも」と言いたいだけならanyの方がシンプルです。
- 間違い:
I will buy whichever is cheap.（日本語の「どちらか安い方を買う」に引きずられている） - 正しい:
I will buy whichever is cheaper.またはI will buy whichever one is cheaper. - 解説: この場合は
whichever自体が主語になっているので文法的ですが、例えば「あなたが選ぶ方」と言いたい時にwhichever chooseと言ってしまうミスが目立ちます。正しくはwhichever you chooseです。必ず「誰が何をするのか」を節の中に含めましょう。
whichever と whatever に似た表現との違いを整理して、知識を定着させましょう。Whatever you do, do your best. |Whichever seat you take, you'll see well. |Any student can join the club. |No matter what happens, stay calm. |You can take either road. |Whichever vs EitherEither は「AかBのどちらか一つ」という選択そのものに焦点を当てますが、whichever は「AかBのうち、〜な方はどちらでも」と、その後の条件（節）を伴うのが一般的です。You can have either.（どちらか一方をどうぞ：選択肢を提示しているだけ）You can have whichever you like.（好きな方をどちらでもどうぞ：あなたの好みに基づく選択）
Whatever vs AnythingWhatever は anything that と書き換えることができますが、whatever の方が「本当に何でもいい」という強調や、譲歩（たとえ何であっても）のニュアンスが強くなります。I'll eat anything.（何でも食べます：好き嫌いがない）I'll eat whatever you cook.（あなたが作るものなら、何であっても食べます：信頼や譲歩）
whichever は3つ以上の選択肢がある時も使えますか？whichever は「2つのうち」だけでなく、「限定された複数の選択肢（3つ、5つ、あるいはリストにあるものすべて）」の中から選ぶ際に使われます。大切なのは「範囲が定義されているかどうか」です。Anything is fine with me. や I'm happy with whatever you decide. とフルセンテンスで言うのが安全です。whoever や whenever も同じルールですか？whoever は「（誰でも）誰か」、whenever は「（いつでも）いつか」を指します。例えば whenever なら「いつでもいいよ」という制限なしのニュアンスになります。whichever のように「限定された人の中から誰でも」と言いたい場合は、whichever of you（あなたたちのうちの誰でも）といった形を使うことがあります。whatever を置くのは正しいですか？...or whatever と付けることがあります。例：We can go for a movie or whatever.（映画に行くとか、そんな感じで）。これは「〜など」を意味する非常にカジュアルな表現です。公式な文書では ...and so on や ...etc. を使うようにしましょう。whichever、空想の話や一般的な話なら whatever。このシンプルなチェックを繰り返すことで、あなたの英語はより正確で、ネイティブに近い響きを持つようになります。頑張りましょう（頑張ってください）！Usage as Determiner vs. Pronoun
| Type | Whichever | Whatever |
|---|---|---|
|
Determiner (+ Noun)
|
Whichever *dress* you pick...
|
Whatever *decision* you make...
|
|
Pronoun (Alone)
|
Pick whichever is cheaper.
|
Do whatever you want.
|
|
With 'of'
|
Whichever of these...
|
Whatever of his work remains... (Rare)
|
|
Subject Position
|
Whichever is best will win.
|
Whatever you say is true.
|
|
Object Position
|
I'll take whichever.
|
I'll do whatever.
|
Meanings
These words are used to indicate that the specific identity of a person, thing, or choice is not important or is unknown.
Limited Choice
Used when there is a restricted number of options available to choose from.
“There are two flights; take whichever is cheaper.”
“Whichever path you take on this mountain, you will reach the top.”
Unlimited Choice
Used when the options are open-ended, unknown, or infinite.
“Whatever you decide, I will support you.”
“Eat whatever you want from the fridge.”
Indifference (Slang)
Used as a one-word response to show that the speaker does not care or is dismissive.
“'We're going to be late!' 'Whatever.'”
“I don't care, whatever.”
Reference Table
| 単語 | 意味 | 選択肢のタイプ | 例文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
`whatever`
|
何でも；何が〜でも
|
無制限、オープン
|
Order `whatever` you want from the menu.
|
|
`whichever`
|
どれでも；どちらが〜でも
|
限定的、具体的
|
We have tea or coffee; take `whichever` you prefer.
|
|
`whatever`
|
決定詞として
|
無制限
|
`Whatever` decision you make is fine with me.
|
|
`whichever`
|
決定詞として
|
限定的
|
`Whichever` road we take, we'll get there eventually.
|
|
`whatever`
|
代名詞として
|
無制限
|
"What should I wear?" "`Whatever`, it's a casual party."
|
|
`whichever`
|
代名詞として
|
限定的
|
Of the two options, choose `whichever` seems best.
|
|
`whatever`
|
スラング的な使い方
|
無関心
|
"You forgot to do the dishes!" "`Whatever`."
|
|
`whichever`
|
スラング的な使い方
|
なし
|
This is not used as a slang term for indifference.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
I shall be satisfied with whichever option you deem appropriate. (Making a decision)
I'm fine with whichever one you choose. (Making a decision)
Whichever is fine by me. (Making a decision)
Whatever, man. (Making a decision)
Whichever vs. Whatever
正しい単語の選び方
選択肢は、特定の小さなグループの中から選ぶものですか？
選択を表す言葉
限定された選択
- Whichever Pick one from this list
無制限の選択
- Whatever Pick anything at all
いつ使う？
Whichever
- • 2つの選択肢
- • 短いリスト
- • 特定のメニュー項目
- • これかあれか
Whatever
- • 何でも可能
- • オープンな提案
- • 何でも構わない
- • 無限の可能性
レベル別の例文
Eat whatever you want.
Take whichever book you like.
Whatever you say is fine.
Pick whichever color you want.
You can come whatever time you like.
Whichever bus comes first, we will take it.
I will do whatever I can to help.
Buy whichever of those two shirts is cheaper.
Whichever route we take, it will take at least an hour.
Whatever the reason for his delay, we must start now.
You can choose whichever of the three options suits you best.
Whatever happens at the party, stay with your friends.
Whichever candidate is elected, they will face a difficult task.
He seems to succeed at whatever he turns his hand to.
Whichever way you look at it, the plan is risky.
I'm happy to go to whichever restaurant you've booked.
Whatever the merits of the argument, the timing was poor.
Whichever of the two theories you subscribe to, the data remains the same.
She remains cheerful, whatever the circumstances.
Whichever path they chose, they were bound to encounter resistance.
The company will survive, whatever the cost to its reputation.
Whichever of the myriad possibilities occurs, we are prepared.
He was free to do whatever he pleased with the inheritance.
Whichever side of the debate one falls on, the complexity is undeniable.
間違えやすい
Learners often use 'which' when they should use 'whichever' to show that the choice doesn't matter.
Learners use 'what' as a relative pronoun in ways that sound non-standard.
Mixing up things/choices with people.
よくある間違い
Take whatever of these two.
Take whichever of these two.
Whatever you want it is okay.
Whatever you want is okay.
I like whichever.
I like whatever.
Whichever you do?
Whatever are you doing?
Whichever you want to eat tonight?
What do you want to eat tonight?
He eats whichever.
He eats whatever.
Whatever shirt of these two is better?
Which shirt of these two is better?
Whichever happens, I'm ready.
Whatever happens, I'm ready.
I'll buy whichever one you want from the whole store.
I'll buy whatever you want from the whole store.
Whatever of the two options is fine.
Whichever of the two options is fine.
Whichever the case may be...
Whatever the case may be...
He was happy with whichever.
He was happy with whatever.
Whatever one you choose...
Whichever one you choose...
文型パターン
You can ___ whichever ___ you like.
Whatever happens, ___.
Whichever of the ___ you choose, ___.
I'm happy to do whatever ___.
Real World Usage
Whatever you want to do is cool with me.
I am happy to work whichever shift the team needs most.
Whichever item you choose, shipping is free.
I'll have whatever the chef recommends.
Whichever train we take, we'll need to change at London.
Whatever, I don't agree with this post at all.
「2つのうちどっち？」テスト
Take whichever of these two is better.
投げやりな "Whatever"
強調の "-ever"
-ever を足すと「本当に何でもいい」という柔軟性が強調されます: Call me at whatever time works for you.
時代の象徴
Smart Tips
Always use 'whichever'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Use 'whatever' to show that their options are completely open.
Use 'whichever' followed by a noun to be clear about the choices.
Be careful with 'Whatever.' Use 'Anyway...' instead to be more polite.
発音
Stress Pattern
The primary stress is on the second syllable of the base word, but the '-ever' suffix is often spoken quickly.
The 'T' in Whatever
In American English, the 't' in 'whatever' often sounds like a soft 'd' (flap T).
Dismissive Whatever
What-ever! ↘
Falling intonation on the last syllable shows annoyance or indifference.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Whichever is for 'Which' (choices), Whatever is for 'What' (anything).
視覚的連想
Imagine a small box with three toys (Whichever) versus a giant open field with everything in the world (Whatever).
Rhyme
If the choices are few, whichever will do. If the options are any, whatever for the many.
Story
A king told his son, 'You can marry whichever of these three princesses you love.' The son replied, 'I will do whatever makes me happy, even if I don't marry at all!'
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look around your room. Pick two objects and say a sentence with 'whichever.' Then think of a dream and say a sentence with 'whatever.'
文化メモ
The single word 'Whatever' became a famous catchphrase for teenagers in the 90s to show they didn't care about what adults were saying. It is still used today but can be very rude.
In professional settings, using 'whichever' sounds more precise and helpful than 'whatever', which can sound lazy.
Using 'whatever you want' is a common way to show hospitality to guests in English-speaking cultures, emphasizing their comfort over yours.
The suffix '-ever' comes from the Old English 'æfre', meaning 'always' or 'at any time'.
会話のきっかけ
If you could travel to any country, whatever the cost, where would you go?
Between tea and coffee, whichever you prefer, how do you take it?
Whatever happened to your favorite childhood toy?
Whichever of your friends is the funniest, what is their best joke?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesThere are two flights to Paris. We can take ___ one you prefer.
___ you do, don't press the red button!
Find and fix the mistake:
You can have whatever of these three cakes.
It doesn't matter what he says, I don't believe him.
1. Whichever road we take... / 2. Whatever you decide...
Select the formal option.
I'm happy to eat ___ is in the fridge.
'Whichever' is used for an unlimited number of choices.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThe store is huge. You can buy ___ you find.
There are three colors available: red, green, or blue. Choose ___ one you like best.
You have two invitations. You should go to whatever party sounds more fun.
正しい文を選んでください：
「あなたが作るものなら何でも食べるよ」を英語に訳してください。
単語を並べ替えて文を作ってください：
選択のタイプと正しい単語を組み合わせてください：
A: 'What should I do now?' B: '___ you want. I don't have a preference.'
正しい文を選んでください：
Whichever happens, we must stay calm.
「赤い方か黒い方、好きな方のジャケットを選んで」を英語に訳してください。
単語を並べ替えて文を作ってください：
文の前半と後半を組み合わせてください：
Score: /13
よくある質問 (8)
No, for people we use `whoever` or `whomever`. For example: 'Whoever wins the race gets a trophy.'
Not necessarily, but it is more *precise*. Using it correctly shows a better command of English logic.
It is better to say `whichever one` if you are referring to a specific item, but `whatever one` is sometimes heard in very casual speech.
It means 'or something similar.' For example: 'We can go to the park or whatever.'
No. It is only rude when used as a one-word response to dismiss someone. In a sentence like 'Whatever you want is fine,' it is perfectly polite.
Use `whichever of` before a plural noun or pronoun, like 'Whichever of these books...' or 'Whichever of them...'
In very informal speech, people say 'Whatever are you doing?' to show surprise, but it's not standard for normal questions.
`Any` is a determiner, while `whichever` often starts a whole clause. 'Take any book' vs 'Take whichever book you like.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
cualquiera / lo que sea
English forces a choice between 'which' and 'what' roots; Spanish often uses 'cual' roots for both.
n'importe lequel / quoi que
French uses a phrase ('it doesn't matter') whereas English uses a single word with a suffix.
welcher auch immer / was auch immer
German keeps the parts separate ('was auch immer') while English merges them into one word.
どれでも (dore-demo) / 何でも (nani-demo)
The logic of limited vs. unlimited sets is almost identical to English.
أيّاً كان (ayyan kana) / مهما (mahma)
Arabic often uses verbal structures or particles rather than a simple suffix.
无论哪个 (wúlùn nǎge) / 无论什么 (wúlùn shénme)
Chinese requires the 'no matter' equivalent to be stated explicitly at the start of the clause.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
方言 vs. 言語：違いは何ですか？
### Overview 言語（language）と方言（dialect）の区別は、言語学において最も有名で、かつ最も難しい問題の一つです。「言語...
Nowadays vs. Now-a-days: 違いは何ですか？
### Overview 英語を学習していると、似たような意味を持つ単語や、スペリングが紛らわしい表現に遭遇することが多々あります。...
Let them vs. Let they: 違いは何ですか？
### Overview 英語を学習する際、多くの日本人が最初に直面する壁の一つが「代名詞の格（Case）」の変化です。日本語では「彼」...
Quite vs. Quiet: 違いは何ですか？
### 概要 (Overview) 英語を学習する上で、多くの日本人学習者が頭を悩ませるのが「スペルが似ているけれど意味が全く異なる単...
Said vs. Told: 違いは何ですか？
### Overview 英語を学習している皆さんにとって、`say` と `tell` の使い分けは、中級レベル（B1）に到達する際に必ずと言って...
