Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Any" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "any", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今にも
いまにも (ima ni mo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
何しろ
なにしろ (nanishiro)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "any" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 今にも and 何しろ.
In Japanese, 今にも (いまにも (ima ni mo)) is typically associated with "at any moment, on the verge of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe a situation where something is about to happen very soon, often implying a strong possibility or immediacy. Typically followed by そうだ.
On the other hand, 何しろ (なにしろ (nanishiro)) maps to "at any rate, in any case" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "any" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "今にも"
今にも雨が降り出しそうだ。
It looks like it's going to rain at any moment.
Bilingual Context for "何しろ"
私は何しろに興味があります。
I am interested in at any rate, in any case.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 雨が降り出しそうだ。" (Meaning: "It looks like it's going to rain at any moment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今にも" fits here because it means "at any moment, on the verge of" in the context of: "It looks like it's going to rain at any moment.". "何しろ" represents "at any rate, in any case".