Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Any" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "any", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
何しろ
なにしろ (nanishiro)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いかなる
いかなる (ikanaru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "any" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 何しろ and いかなる.
In Japanese, 何しろ (なにしろ (nanishiro)) is typically associated with "at any rate, in any case" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, いかなる (いかなる (ikanaru)) maps to "any, whatever" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "any" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "いかなる"
私はいかなるに興味があります。
I am interested in any, whatever.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in at any rate, in any case.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "何しろ" fits here because it means "at any rate, in any case" in the context of: "I am interested in at any rate, in any case.". "いかなる" represents "any, whatever".