The Meaning of nandemo [何でも] In Japanese

何でも
なんでも
Romaji: nandemo N5

What does 何でも mean?

Translation and Meaning

anything, whatever, any

Definition

What does 何でも mean? It is a flexible indefinite term meaning ‘anything’ or ‘whatever’ used to express no restriction on what is being discussed or chosen; it functions as a pronoun/adverb signaling broad inclusivity in casual to neutral speech.

Type

Indefinite pronoun / adverb (副詞・代名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • scope: broad inclusivity across items and possibilities
  • emphatic usage in compounds such as 何でもかんでも to convey everything and anything
  • the standalone phrase 何でもない meaning ‘it’s nothing’

Etymology

etymology A phonetic blend from 何 (nan/nani) and でも (demo); in modern speech it is commonly read なんでも as nandemo, with assimilation of ん before で.

Composition

  • 何 means ‘what’ or ‘which’; でも is the combination of the particle で (the connective form of だ/です) and も (‘also/even’), together forming the indefinite meaning of ‘anything’ or ‘whatever’

Usage

Used in casual to neutral contexts to indicate openness to any option or matter; in polite or formal settings speakers often opt for 何でも結構です or 何でも構いません to soften acceptance; common in everyday dialogue and messaging, with constructions like 何でもいい and 何でもない as separate phrases.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: the sounds nan (何) and demo (でも) fuse to mean unlimited choice; picture a shop sign that says anything goes to recall the word.

Variations

  • どれでも — any, whichever (dore demo)
  • 何も — nothing (nanimo)
  • 何か — something (nanika)

Example Phrases

  • 何でも いいから、 今日の 予定を 教えて。
    nandemo ii kara, kyou no yotei o oshiete.
    Anything is fine, so tell me today’s schedule.
    Lista:
    • 何でも (nandemo) – anything
    • いいから (ii kara) – it’s fine
    • 今日の (kyou no) – today’s
    • 予定を (yotei o) – schedule
    • 教えて (oshiete) – tell me
    Use 「何でも」 to mean ‘anything’; here it softens a request and expresses flexibility in what is acceptable.
何でも