N153/186

いかなる

いかなる + Nいかなる + N でも/にもいかなる事があろうといかなる状況でもいかなる場合にも

Meanings

  • What kind of
  • No matter what kind of
  • No … (with a negative verb)
  • Any... (with a negative verb)

About this pattern

Explanation

いかなる is a formal, literary-modified way to say “whatever kind of …” or “no matter what kind of ….” It elevates the tone and is common in official, legal, or dramatic writing. It is used before a noun to emphasize that all kinds or any kind of whatever situation are included. When paired with verbs in the negative or with ようと/ても constructions (e.g., いかなる…にも/でも, いかなる事があろうと), it stresses that something holds true in all circumstances, regardless of what happens. Typical contexts include proclamations, defense statements, warnings, or rhetoric that asserts unwavering resolve across any possible scenario. Note that it is less common in casual speech and can sound overly formal outside written Japanese. Examples often involve phrases like いかなる事情にも動じない (not swayed by any circumstances) or いかなる困難があろうと諦めない (no matter what difficulties arise, I won’t give up).

Learn in context

Example sentences

いかなる場合にも人命を最優先する。

In any case, human life comes first.

いかなる批判が来ようと、私たちは方針を変えない。

No matter what criticism comes, we will not change our policy.

いかなる困難があろうと、諦めない。

No matter what difficulties arise, I won’t give up.

いかなる状況でも冷静でいなければならない。

We must stay calm in any situation.

いかなる事があろうと、彼は責任を取るべきだ。

Whatever may happen, he should take responsibility.