Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn なんでも (nandemo). It means 'anything'. Like, if I ask, 'Do you want apple or banana?' You can say 'なんでも!' That means 'Anything!' It is a very easy word. You can use it when you don't know what you want, or when all things are okay. For example, 'What color do you want?' 'なんでも!' So simple! It is like saying 'any color'. You can use it for food, toys, or anything!
Let's talk about なんでも (nandemo). This word means 'anything' or 'whatever'. It's super useful when you want to say that any option is fine. For example, if someone asks you, 'What do you want to drink?', you can reply, 'なんでもいいです' (nandemo ii desu), which means 'Anything is fine'. It shows you are flexible. You can also use it to ask about possibilities, like 'Can I ask nandemo?' (Can I ask anything?). It's a common word in daily conversations.
なんでも (nandemo) is a versatile Japanese word that translates to 'anything' or 'whatever'. It's used to express that there are no specific restrictions or preferences. A very common phrase is なんでもいい (nandemo ii), meaning 'anything is fine'. For instance, when choosing a movie, you might say, 'なんでもいいですよ' (nandemo ii desu yo), indicating you're happy with any choice. It can also be used in questions, like 'Do you need nandemo?' (Do you need anything?). Understanding nandemo opens up many conversational possibilities.
The Japanese pronoun なんでも (nandemo) signifies 'anything' or 'whatever', denoting a lack of specificity or a broad acceptance of options. It's frequently employed in contexts where choice is open. For example, in response to 'What would you like for dinner?', saying 'なんでも' implies you have no particular preference. It can also be used to inquire about the scope of possibilities, such as 'Is nandemo possible?' (Is anything possible?). Pay attention to the context, as nandemo can sometimes carry a nuance of indifference or even a slight burden if used inappropriately.
なんでも (nandemo) functions as an indefinite pronoun in Japanese, signifying 'anything' or 'whatever'. Its usage extends beyond simple indefiniteness to encompass a range of implications, from complete openness to a subtle suggestion of indifference. In formal discourse, it might appear in phrases like 'なんでもご相談ください' (nandemo go-soudan kudasai), meaning 'Please feel free to consult us about anything'. Conversely, in casual speech, 'なんでもいい' can sometimes imply a lack of strong opinion, bordering on apathy, depending on the intonation and situation. Its flexibility makes it a powerful, yet nuanced, linguistic tool.
The Japanese indefinite pronoun なんでも (nandemo), derived from 'nan' (what) and the emphatic particle 'demo' (or/even), signifies 'anything' or 'whatever'. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing absolute indefiniteness, universal applicability, and sometimes, a pragmatic implication of 'no specific preference'. In advanced contexts, it can be found in expressions like 'なんでもあり' (nandemo ari), meaning 'anything goes', often used to describe situations with few rules or a high degree of freedom. Etymologically, it shares a pattern with other indefinite pronouns like 'daredemo' (anyone) and 'itsudemo' (anytime), highlighting a productive morphological process in Japanese. Mastery of nandemo involves recognizing its subtle contextual variations and idiomatic uses.
Word in 30 Seconds
- なんでも (nandemo) means 'anything' or 'whatever'.
- It's used when there's no specific preference or restriction.
- Common phrases include 'nandemo ii' (anything is fine) and 'nandemo suru' (I'll do anything).
- Be mindful of context to avoid sounding indifferent or confusing it with 'nothing' (nani mo).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese word なんでも (nandemo). Think of it as your go-to word when you want to say 'anything' or 'whatever'. It's incredibly flexible and pops up in all sorts of situations, making communication a breeze! Whether you're asking a question, making a suggestion, or just stating a fact,なんでも adds a sense of openness and possibility.
Imagine your friend asks, 'What do you want to eat?' You could reply, 'なんでもいいです' (nandemo ii desu), which means 'Anything is fine' or 'Whatever is okay'. See how it covers all possibilities? It's like a magic word that can mean 'any single thing' without you having to list them all out. This makes it a fundamental part of everyday Japanese conversation!
We use なんでも when we don't want to be specific, or when we want to convey that the choice is completely open. It can refer to objects, actions, ideas, or even conditions. So, if someone offers you a choice and you're happy with any of them, なんでも is your word! It’s a true chameleon in the Japanese language, adapting to fit many different contexts with ease.
The word なんでも (nandemo) has a fascinating origin rooted in classical Japanese. It's essentially a combination of 'nan' (何), meaning 'what', and 'demo' (でも), which acts as a particle indicating 'or' or 'even'. So, literally, it's like asking 'what or what?' or 'even what?', which naturally evolves into the meaning of 'anything' or 'whatever'.
Historically, the particle 'demo' has been used to create indefinite pronouns and adverbs. For instance, 'dare' (誰 - who) combined with 'demo' becomes 'daredemo' (誰でも - anyone), and 'itsu' (いつ - when) becomes 'itsudemo' (いつでも - anytime). This pattern shows a consistent way the Japanese language builds words that express universality or indefiniteness.
The evolution from 'what?' to 'anything' is a common linguistic phenomenon. Think about how in English, 'what?' can be used in phrases like 'whatever you want' where the interrogative form takes on a broader, inclusive meaning. なんでも follows a similar path, becoming a crucial tool for expressing generality and choice in Japanese communication over centuries of language development.
なんでも (nandemo) is a remarkably versatile word, used in a wide array of contexts. Its primary function is to express 'anything' or 'whatever', implying no specific choice or restriction. You'll frequently hear it in casual conversations, but it can also appear in more formal settings depending on the surrounding language.
One of the most common collocations is なんでもいい (nandemo ii), meaning 'anything is fine' or 'whatever is okay'. This is a very natural way to respond when offered a choice. For example, if someone asks, 'Coffee or tea?', you can reply, 'なんでもいいです' (nandemo ii desu).
Another frequent pairing is with verbs like 'to do' or 'to eat'. なんでもする (nandemo suru) means 'I'll do anything', and なんでも食べる (nandemo taberu) means 'I'll eat anything'. These phrases convey a sense of willingness or openness. Remember, while なんでも itself is quite neutral, the overall tone of the sentence will determine its formality. Using polite forms like 'desu' or 'masu' will make it suitable for more formal situations.
While なんでも (nandemo) is a standalone word meaning 'anything', it often forms the core of common expressions that add nuance to its meaning. These phrases are essential for sounding more natural and understanding native speakers.
1. なんでも屋 (nandemo-ya): Literally 'anything shop', this refers to a handyman or a person who can do all sorts of odd jobs. It implies versatility and a willingness to tackle diverse tasks. Example: 'My uncle runs a nandemo-ya; he fixes cars and plumbing!'
2. なんでもない (nandemo nai): This means 'it's nothing' or 'it's not important'. It's used to dismiss a concern or to indicate that something is trivial. Example: 'Are you okay?' 'Yes, nandemo nai.'
3. なんでもかんでも (nandemo kando demo): This is an emphatic version of 'nandemo', meaning 'everything' or 'all sorts of things', often with a slightly negative connotation of being too much or indiscriminate. Example: 'He complains about nandemo kando demo.'
4. なんでもどうぞ (nandemo douzo): A polite way to say 'Please, take anything' or 'Help yourself to anything'. It's often used when offering food or items. Example: 'The snacks are over there, nandemo douzo.'
5. なんでもない顔 (nandemo nai kao): This describes a nonchalant or indifferent expression, as if nothing significant has happened. Example: 'She walked away with a nandemo nai kao.'
なんでも (nandemo) is primarily used as an indefinite pronoun, meaning 'anything' or 'whatever'. It doesn't change form based on number or gender, as Japanese grammar doesn't typically conjugate nouns or pronouns in that way. It functions similarly to 'anything' in English.
Pronunciation: The standard pronunciation is /næn.de.mo/. In Japanese, vowels are generally pure and short. The 'n' sound is clear, the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father', 'e' is like the 'e' in 'bet', and 'o' is like the 'o' in 'go'. There are no silent letters or complex diphthongs.
IPA Transcription:
- British English: /næn.de.mɔː/
- American English: /næn.deɪ.moʊ/
Common Errors: Learners might sometimes struggle with the rhythm or intonation, but the sounds themselves are relatively straightforward. Ensure each syllable is pronounced distinctly. There are no direct rhyming words in English that perfectly capture the sound, but words ending in '-emo' or '-o' might offer a slight phonetic similarity in certain contexts.
Fun Fact
The particle 'demo' (でも) used here is the same one used to connect clauses in sentences like 'It's sunny, but it's cold.' When attached to question words, it transforms them into indefinite pronouns.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'nan-deh-maw', with the final 'o' sound similar to the 'aw' in 'law'.
Sounds like 'nan-day-moh', with the final 'o' sound similar to the 'oh' in 'go'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
- Making the final 'o' sound too short or like the 'oo' in 'too'.
- Adding an unnecessary 'uh' sound after the 'n'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding nuance can be harder.
Easy to use in basic sentences, harder to use idiomatically.
Easy to say, harder to use with natural intonation and context.
Relatively easy to hear, but context is crucial for full understanding.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Indefinite Pronouns
Combining interrogatives (who, what, where, when) with particles like 'demo' or 'mo' to create words meaning 'anyone', 'anything', etc.
Verb Conjugation (Plain Form)
Using the plain form of verbs after 'nandemo', like 'nandemo suru' (plain) vs. 'nandemo shimasu' (polite).
Adjective Usage
Using 'ii' (good/fine) after 'nandemo' to form 'nandemo ii' (anything is fine).
Examples by Level
りんご、バナナ、なんでもいい。
Apple, banana, anything fine.
なんでもいい means 'anything is fine'.
これ、なんでもどうぞ。
This, anything please.
どうぞ means 'please, go ahead'.
あなた、なんでも 好き？
You, anything like?
好き means 'like'.
ペン、なんでも 使って。
Pen, anything use.
使って is the informal 'use'.
今日、なんでも 楽しい。
Today, anything fun.
楽しい means 'fun'.
宿題、なんでも やる。
Homework, anything do.
やる is an informal 'do'.
お菓子、なんでも 食べたい。
Sweets, anything want to eat.
食べたい means 'want to eat'.
この本、なんでも 面白い。
This book, anything interesting.
面白い means 'interesting'.
このレストランは、なんでも美味しいです。
This restaurant is, anything delicious.
美味しい means 'delicious'.
週末は何をしたいですか？ なんでもいいです。
Weekend what do want to do? Anything fine is.
週末 means 'weekend'.
手伝いましょうか？ ええ、なんでもお願いします。
Help shall I? Yes, anything please.
手伝いましょうか is a polite offer to help.
この問題は、なんでもないことです。
This problem is, nothing thing is.
問題 means 'problem'.
彼はなんでも知っていますね。
He anything knows, isn't it.
知っています means 'knows'.
会議でなんでも発言してください。
Meeting at anything speak out please.
発言する means 'to speak out'.
旅行の計画は、なんでも任せてください。
Travel's plan is, anything leave to me please.
任せる means 'to entrust'.
あなたの趣味は何ですか？ なんでも好きです。
Your hobby is what? Anything like is.
趣味 means 'hobby'.
この仕事は大変ですが、なんでも挑戦します。
This work is tough but, anything will challenge.
挑戦する means 'to challenge'.
何か困ったことがあったら、なんでも言ってください。
Something troubling thing if there is, anything say please.
困ったこと means 'troubling thing'.
彼はなんでも屋のように、色々な修理をしてくれる。
He anything shop like, various repairs does.
修理する means 'to repair'.
この件については、なんでもお答えします。
This matter about is, anything will answer.
件 means 'matter' or 'case'.
彼女はなんでもない顔をして、部屋を出て行った。
She nothing thing having face doing, room left went.
顔をする means 'to put on an expression'.
その店では、なんでも揃うから便利だ。
That store in, anything is available so convenient is.
揃う means 'to be available' or 'to be complete'.
子供たちは、なんでもかんでも欲しがる。
Children, anything and everything want.
欲しがる means 'to want (for someone else)' or 'to be greedy'.
あなたの意見なら、なんでも聞きます。
Your opinion if it is, anything will listen.
意見 means 'opinion'.
このプロジェクトでは、なんでもありの自由な発想が求められている。
This project in, anything goes free ideas are being sought.
あり means 'to exist' or 'to be possible'.
彼はどんな状況でも冷静で、なんでもそつなくこなす。
He any situation even calm, anything skillfully handles.
そつなくこなす means 'to handle smoothly/skillfully'.
その作家は、なんでもない日常を詩的に描くのが得意だ。
That writer, nothing thing ordinary daily life poetically depicts is good at.
詩的に means 'poetically'.
この問題に対しては、なんでも検討すべきだ。
This problem towards is, anything should be considered.
検討する means 'to consider' or 'to examine'.
彼女は、なんでもないことでも大げさに話す癖がある。
She, nothing thing even exaggeratingly talks habit has.
大げさに means 'exaggeratedly'.
どんな分野でも、なんでも学ぼうとする意欲が素晴らしい。
Any field even, anything try to learn motivation is wonderful.
意欲 means 'will' or 'desire'.
この契約書には、なんでも不利な条項が含まれている可能性がある。
This contract document in, anything disadvantageous clauses are included possibility exists.
不利な条項 means 'disadvantageous clause'.
彼は、なんでもない顔をして、重大な秘密を隠していた。
He, nothing thing having face doing, serious secret was hiding.
重大な秘密 means 'serious secret'.
現代社会では、情報が氾濫しており、なんでも鵜呑みにするのは危険だ。
Modern society in, information overflows, anything blindly accepting is dangerous.
氾濫する means 'to overflow'.
彼の発言は、なんでもありの自由闊達な議論を促す。
His statements, anything goes free open discussion encourages.
自由闊達な means 'free and open'.
この芸術作品は、鑑賞者の想像力に委ねられ、なんでも解釈できる余地がある。
This artwork, viewer's imagination to entrusted, anything can be interpreted room exists.
鑑賞者 means 'viewer'.
彼は、なんでもないような顔をして、実は大きな賭けに出ていた。
He, nothing thing like face doing, actually big gamble had gone out on.
賭け means 'gamble' or 'bet'.
その政治家は、なんでも国民のせいにする傾向がある。
That politician, anything the public's fault makes tendency has.
傾向がある means 'has a tendency'.
この小説は、登場人物の心理描写が巧みで、なんでもない日常が鮮やかに描かれている。
This novel, characters' psychological depiction is skillful, nothing thing ordinary daily life vividly is depicted.
心理描写 means 'psychological depiction'.
彼は、なんでもないような顔で、驚くべき功績を成し遂げた。
He, nothing thing like face doing, surprising achievements accomplished.
功績 means 'achievement' or 'merit'.
この哲学的な問いに対しては、なんでも絶対的な答えは存在しない。
This philosophical question towards is, anything absolute answer does not exist.
絶対的な答え means 'absolute answer'.
彼の弁舌は巧みで、なんでもない事柄をもあたかも重大事であるかのように語ることができる。
His eloquence is skillful, nothing thing matters even as if important matter it is like can speak.
弁舌 means 'eloquence' or 'speech'.
この現代アートは、鑑賞者自身の解釈に委ねられ、なんでもないものが芸術となりうる。
This contemporary art, viewer's own interpretation to entrusted, nothing thing becomes art can be.
現代アート means 'contemporary art'.
その批評家は、なんでもかんでも斬新なものに飛びつく傾向がある。
That critic, anything and everything novel things to jump on tendency has.
斬新な means 'novel' or 'innovative'.
この文学作品における「なんでもない」という表現は、登場人物の深層心理を暗示している。
This literary work in 'nothing thing' expression, characters' deep psychology implies.
深層心理 means 'deep psychology'.
彼は、なんでもない顔をして、実は歴史的な決断を下していた。
He, nothing thing like face doing, actually historical decision had made.
歴史的な決断 means 'historical decision'.
この状況下では、なんでもありの状況判断が求められる。
This situation under is, anything goes situational judgment is required.
状況判断 means 'situational judgment'.
彼女の文章は、なんでもない日常の断片を、詩的な感動へと昇華させる力を持っている。
Her writing, nothing thing ordinary daily life fragments, poetic emotion into elevates power has.
昇華させる means 'to sublimate' or 'to elevate'.
この裁判では、なんでもない証言が、後に決定的な証拠となった。
This trial in, nothing thing testimony, later decisive evidence became.
決定的な証拠 means 'decisive evidence'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"なんでも屋 (nandemo-ya)"
A person or shop that offers a wide variety of services or can fix/do almost anything; a handyman.
引越しを手伝ってもらいたくて、近所のなんでも屋さんに電話した。
neutral"なんでもない (nandemo nai)"
It's nothing; it's not important; it's trivial.
「怪我したの？」「ううん、なんでもない。」
casual"なんでもかんでも (nandemo kando demo)"
Everything; all sorts of things; indiscriminately. Often used with a slightly negative nuance.
彼はなんでもかんでも欲しがって困る。
neutral"なんでもどうぞ (nandemo douzo)"
Please, take anything; help yourself.
お土産は棚にたくさんありますから、なんでもどうぞ。
polite/casual"なんでもない顔 (nandemo nai kao)"
A nonchalant or indifferent expression; a poker face.
彼は何もなかったかのように、なんでもない顔をして通り過ぎた。
neutral"なんでもあり (nandemo ari)"
Anything goes; no rules; chaotic freedom.
あのクラブでは、なんでもありの雰囲気だった。
casual/informalEasily Confused
Both use 'nan' (何) and imply generality.
'Nandemo' means 'anything' or 'whatever'. 'Nanika' (何か) means 'something' and is used when you believe something specific exists or is happening, but you don't know what it is.
Nandemo tabemasu. (I eat anything.) vs. Nanika ga okite iru. (Something is happening.)
Both are used when talking about options.
'Nandemo' means 'anything' (general). 'Dore demo' (どれでも) means 'any one of them' and is used when choosing from a specific, limited set of items.
Nandemo ii desu. (Anything is fine.) vs. Kore, sore, are... dore demo ii desu. (This, that, that one... any of them is fine.)
Both relate to 'nothing' or 'anything' and involve negation.
'Nandemo' + positive verb = 'anything'. 'Nani mo' + negative verb = 'nothing'.
Nandemo shimasu. (I will do anything.) vs. Nani mo shimasen. (I will do nothing.)
Both can imply a lack of specificity.
'Nandemo' means 'anything'. 'Subete' (全て) means 'everything' or 'all' and refers to the complete set or totality of something, often used more formally or comprehensively.
Nandemo okotowari shimasu. (I will refuse anything.) vs. Subete no shitsumon ni kotaemasu. (I will answer all questions.)
Sentence Patterns
なんでも + Verb
私は<strong>なんでも</strong>食べます。
なんでも + Adjective
この色なら<strong>なんでも</strong>いいです。
なんでも + Noun (idiomatic)
彼は<strong>なんでも屋</strong>です。
Noun + は/が + なんでも + Verb/Adjective
あなたの意見なら、<strong>なんでも</strong>聞きます。
なんでもない + Noun/です
それは<strong>なんでもない</strong>ことです。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
なんでも implies generality. Using it when a specific choice is clear can sound vague or indecisive.
This is a common pitfall for learners due to the similar structure but opposite meaning in negative contexts.
While convenient, constant use of 'anything is fine' can sometimes convey a lack of engagement or opinion.
Formal writing often prioritizes clarity and precision over the broadness implied by 'nandemo'.
Japanese pronunciation is more syllable-timed than English, and incorrect intonation can make it harder to understand.
Tips
The 'Anything Goes' Chest
Imagine a magical chest labeled 'なんでも'. When you open it, anything you can think of pops out! This visual helps remember its meaning of 'anything'.
Mastering 'Nandemo ii'
Use 'なんでもいい' (nandemo ii) when you genuinely don't have a preference. To sound more engaged, add a smile or a follow-up like 'What do you recommend?' (おすすめは何ですか？).
The Nuance of Indifference
While 'nandemo ii' is convenient, be mindful that in some social contexts, constantly saying 'anything is fine' might be perceived as passive. Show enthusiasm when appropriate!
The 'Demo' Magic
Remember that 'demo' attached to question words (nan, dare, itsu, doko) creates indefinite pronouns: 'nandemo' (anything), 'daredemo' (anyone), 'itsudemo' (anytime), 'dokodemo' (anywhere). It's a powerful pattern!
Clear and Crisp
Focus on pronouncing each syllable distinctly: nan-de-mo. Avoid slurring or adding extra sounds. Practice saying it slowly at first.
Avoid the 'Nothing' Trap
Never use 'nandemo' with a negative verb to mean 'nothing'. That's the job of 'nani mo'. Stick to 'Nani mo tabemasen' for 'I eat nothing'.
From 'What?' to 'Anything'
The word evolved from a simple question ('What?') into a word covering all possibilities. It's a great example of how language grows and adapts!
Contextual Flashcards
Create flashcards with sentences using 'nandemo'. Include the full sentence on one side and the translation/explanation on the other. This helps you learn its usage in context.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Nan' (sounds like 'none') and 'demo' (like a 'demon'). 'None of the demons' sounds silly, but maybe imagine a demon offering you 'anything' - you can choose 'none' of them, or 'anything' else! It's a stretch, but might help!
Visual Association
Picture a large, overflowing treasure chest with the label 'なんでも' on it, signifying that it contains absolutely everything.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using 'なんでも' in at least three different sentences today: once when choosing food, once when offering help, and once when describing possibilities.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Literally 'what or what?' or 'even what?', evolving to mean 'anything'.
Cultural Context
While generally neutral, overuse of 'nandemo ii' can sometimes be perceived as passive or lacking personal preference, which might be culturally noted depending on the context.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'anything' is expressed similarly, but the grammatical construction differs. Phrases like 'whatever you want' or 'anything goes' capture the essence.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Ordering food or drinks
- なんでもいいです。
- おすすめのものをなんでもください。
- デザートは何がいい？ なんでもいいよ。
Offering help or services
- 何かお手伝いしましょうか？ なんでも言ってください。
- このお店では、なんでも修理します。
- ご要望があれば、なんでもお申し付けください。
Expressing openness to suggestions
- 旅行の行き先は、なんでもいいよ。
- 今日の映画は何にする？ なんでもいい。
- プレゼントは何がいいかな？ なんでもいいから、気にしないで。
Describing possibilities or capabilities
- この機械は何でもできます。
- 彼はなんでも知っている。
- この学校では、なんでも学べます。
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite thing to eat? Or is 'nandemo ii'?"
"If you could learn 'nandemo', what skill would you want to master?"
"Imagine a shop that sells 'nandemo'. What's the strangest thing you think they'd sell?"
"When someone says 'nandemo ii', what's the best way to respond to show you care?"
"What does 'nandemo ari' mean to you? Can you think of a situation where it applies?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you truly had no preference and could say 'nandemo ii'.
Describe a situation where you were willing to do 'nandemo' for someone.
Imagine you found a magical item that could do 'nandemo'. What would it be and what would you do with it?
Reflect on the difference between saying 'nandemo' and 'nani mo' in your own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNot necessarily. While it often implies openness or flexibility, phrases like 'nandemo kando demo' can have a slightly negative connotation of being too much or indiscriminate. The context and surrounding words are key.
Yes, it can be used in questions to ask if anything is possible or if someone needs anything. For example, 'Nandemo dekimasu ka?' (Can you do anything?) or 'Nandemo irimasu ka?' (Do you need anything?).
'Nandemo' refers to 'anything' in a general sense (any item, any action, any situation). 'Dore demo' specifically means 'any one of them' when choosing from a limited set of options (e.g., 'Dore demo ii desu' - Any of these is fine).
You don't use 'nandemo' for 'nothing'. For 'nothing', you use 'nani mo' (何も) with a negative verb. For example, 'Nani mo tabemasen' (何も食べません) means 'I eat nothing'.
'Nandemo ii' is generally neutral. To make it more polite, you would add 'desu' (なんでもいいです). In very casual situations among close friends, 'nandemo ii yo' (なんでもいいよ) is common.
Yes, absolutely. It can refer to ideas, situations, problems, or any abstract concept, not just physical objects. For example, 'Nandemo soudan shite kudasai' (Please consult me about anything).
There isn't a single perfect antonym. However, concepts like 'specific', 'particular', or 'only this' (e.g., 特定のもの - tokutei no mono, これだけ - kore dake) function as opposites in context.
It functions primarily as an indefinite pronoun, meaning 'anything'. It can also function adverbially in some contexts, modifying verbs or adjectives to mean 'in any way' or 'regardless'.
Test Yourself
お菓子、 ____ 食べたい。
なんでも means 'anything', fitting the context of wanting to eat sweets in general.
What does 'なんでもいいです' mean?
なんでもいいです directly translates to 'Anything is fine'.
The phrase 'なんでも屋' refers to a person who only does one specific type of job.
'なんでも屋' means a handyman or someone who can do various jobs, not just one specific type.
Word
Meaning
These are common verb collocations with 'nandemo'.
The correct order is 'なんでもいいですよ' (Nandemo ii desu yo), meaning 'Anything is fine!'
困ったことがあったら、____言ってください。
'なんでも' fits the context of 'If you have any trouble, please tell me anything'.
Which phrase implies 'anything goes' in a less structured situation?
'なんでもあり' specifically means 'anything goes' and implies a lack of rules or restrictions.
In formal writing, 'なんでも' is always the most appropriate choice for expressing 'everything'.
Formal writing often requires more specific terms than the general 'nandemo' when referring to 'everything'.
The sentence 'なんでもない顔で重大なことを隠していた' means 'He was hiding a serious matter with a nonchalant expression'.
その批評家は、____斬新なものに飛びつく傾向がある。
'なんでもかんでも' fits the context of 'That critic tends to jump on anything and everything novel'.
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Summary
Mastering 'nandemo' unlocks a world of flexibility in expressing choices and possibilities in Japanese.
- なんでも (nandemo) means 'anything' or 'whatever'.
- It's used when there's no specific preference or restriction.
- Common phrases include 'nandemo ii' (anything is fine) and 'nandemo suru' (I'll do anything).
- Be mindful of context to avoid sounding indifferent or confusing it with 'nothing' (nani mo).
The 'Anything Goes' Chest
Imagine a magical chest labeled 'なんでも'. When you open it, anything you can think of pops out! This visual helps remember its meaning of 'anything'.
Mastering 'Nandemo ii'
Use 'なんでもいい' (nandemo ii) when you genuinely don't have a preference. To sound more engaged, add a smile or a follow-up like 'What do you recommend?' (おすすめは何ですか？).
The Nuance of Indifference
While 'nandemo ii' is convenient, be mindful that in some social contexts, constantly saying 'anything is fine' might be perceived as passive. Show enthusiasm when appropriate!
The 'Demo' Magic
Remember that 'demo' attached to question words (nan, dare, itsu, doko) creates indefinite pronouns: 'nandemo' (anything), 'daredemo' (anyone), 'itsudemo' (anytime), 'dokodemo' (anywhere). It's a powerful pattern!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
