Regardless of the circumstances, the main point or action remains the same.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to focus on the main point regardless of details.
- Functions as a transition word to summarize a situation.
- Often used to express strong determination or priority.
Overview
- 1概要：とにかくは、日本語の会話において非常に頻繁に使われる副詞です。何かを説明する際、前置きを省略して「まずは結論から」「理由はどうあれ、これをやる」という意思を伝える時に非常に便利です。2) 使用パターン：文頭に置くことで、それまでの話を区切り、新しい話題や最終的な結論へ移行する役割を持ちます。「とにかく、頑張ろう」のように、意志の表明を強める際にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：友人との会話では「とにかく楽しかった！」のように強調として使われ、ビジネスの場では「とにかく、まずはこのプロジェクトを優先しましょう」のように、優先順位を明確にするために使われます。4) 類語との比較：『とにかく』は口語的な響きが強いです。よりフォーマルな場では『いずれにせよ』や『いずれにしても』が好まれます。『ともかく』は『とにかく』とほぼ同じ意味で使われますが、より丁寧な印象を与える場合があります。
Examples
とにかく、一度やってみよう。
everydayAnyway, let's try it once.
とにかく、結果を報告してください。
formalIn any case, please report the results.
とにかく疲れた。
informalAnyway, I'm tired.
とにかく、この議論はここで終わりにします。
academicRegardless, we will end this discussion here.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
とにかくまあ
Well, anyway
とにかく一番
Best of all / First and foremost
とにかくとして
Putting that aside
Often Confused With
They are synonymous, but 'tomokaku' has a slightly more formal or literary nuance compared to the casual 'tonikaku'.
This is a more archaic or literary version of 'tonikaku' and is rarely used in modern daily conversation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Tonikaku is primarily used in spoken Japanese to signal a shift in thought or a summary. It is considered informal to neutral, so be cautious when using it with superiors. It effectively cuts through ambiguity by prioritizing the main point.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to mean 'very' (e.g., 'tonikaku big'), which is incorrect. It should not be used as a degree adverb. Remember that it functions as a transition or a conclusion indicator, not as a modifier for adjectives.
Tips
Use for quick transitions
Start your sentence with 'tonikaku' when you want to cut through a long explanation and get straight to the bottom line.
Watch your register in business
Avoid using 'tonikaku' in very formal emails or speeches to superiors, as it can sound slightly blunt or overly casual.
The power of conclusion
In Japanese communication, 'tonikaku' is a useful tool to maintain harmony by acknowledging previous points while firmly establishing your own conclusion.
Word Origin
Derived from 'to' (that) and 'kaku' (thus/like this). It evolved to mean 'regardless of that or this' by grouping all conditions together.
Cultural Context
In Japan, where indirect communication is common, 'tonikaku' serves as a necessary tool to be direct without being overly aggressive. It allows the speaker to acknowledge the complexity of a situation before simplifying it for the listener.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tonikaku' as 'To-Ni-Ka-Ku' (To-ni-ka-ku: To-ny-way, I'll do it). It's a quick way to 'cut' the conversation to the main point.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほぼ同じですが、「とにかく」の方がより日常会話で頻繁に使われます。「ともかく」は少しだけ改まった響きがありますが、現代の日本語ではほとんど交換可能です。
はい、可能です。ただし、文頭で使う方が「結論を強調する」というニュアンスが強く伝わりやすいため、文頭で使うのが最も一般的です。
「とにかく」は少しカジュアルな響きがあるため、目上の人に対しては「いずれにいたしましても」などを使う方が無難です。同僚や親しい上司に対しては問題ありません。
いいえ、副詞なので名詞としては使えません。副詞として文を修飾する役割に限定されています。
Test Yourself
雨が降っているけど、___行かなければならない。
理由はどうあれ、行動しなければならないという文脈なので「とにかく」が適切です。
とにかく、やりましょう。
「いずれにせよ」は「とにかく」のフォーマルな言い換えとして使えます。
（おいしい、とにかく、これ、は）
「とにかく」は文頭に置くのが最も自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Regardless of the circumstances, the main point or action remains the same.
- Used to focus on the main point regardless of details.
- Functions as a transition word to summarize a situation.
- Often used to express strong determination or priority.
Use for quick transitions
Start your sentence with 'tonikaku' when you want to cut through a long explanation and get straight to the bottom line.
Watch your register in business
Avoid using 'tonikaku' in very formal emails or speeches to superiors, as it can sound slightly blunt or overly casual.
The power of conclusion
In Japanese communication, 'tonikaku' is a useful tool to maintain harmony by acknowledging previous points while firmly establishing your own conclusion.
Examples
4 of 4とにかく、一度やってみよう。
Anyway, let's try it once.
とにかく、結果を報告してください。
In any case, please report the results.
とにかく疲れた。
Anyway, I'm tired.
とにかく、この議論はここで終わりにします。
Regardless, we will end this discussion here.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
