| とにかく (tonikaku) | ともかく (tomokaku) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Anyway / at any rate / regardless | Anyway / setting that aside / be that as it may |
| Nuance | Dismisses obstacles, focuses on action | Acknowledges something then moves on |
| Register | Casual to neutral | Neutral to slightly formal |
| Feel | Energetic push forward | Diplomatic transition |
YukaI know とにかく but I also see ともかく. Are they interchangeable?
ReiThey’re very close! とにかく is more forceful — “just do it anyway!” ともかく is softer — “setting that aside, let’s move on.” ともかく often acknowledges the previous point before pivoting.
What Does とにかく (tonikaku) Mean?
とにかく means anyway, at any rate, or regardless. It pushes past distractions, objections, or complications to focus on what matters. It is direct and energetic.
- とにかくやってみよう！ — Anyway, let’s give it a try!
- とにかく早く来て！ — Just get here quickly!
- 難しくても、とにかく続ける。 — Even if it’s hard, I’ll keep going regardless.
- とにかく彼は頑張った。 — Whatever you say, he did his best.
What Does ともかく (tomokaku) Mean?
ともかく also means anyway or setting that aside, but it has a more diplomatic, transitional feel. It often acknowledges a point (“that may be true, but…”) before moving to a new point or conclusion.
- それはともかく、今日の予定は？ — Setting that aside, what are today’s plans?
- 良し悪しはともかく、事実だ。 — Whether good or bad, it’s a fact.
- ともかく、まず食べよう。 — Anyway, let’s eat first.
- 冗談はともかく、真剣な話だ。 — Jokes aside, this is a serious matter.
Comparison
| Feature | とにかく | ともかく |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Forceful, pushing forward | Diplomatic, transitional |
| Acknowledges previous point? | No — dismisses it | Yes — then pivots |
| Good for… | Encouragement, insisting on action | Changing subject, setting things aside |
| Interchangeable? | Often yes | Often yes — but nuance differs |
YukaWhat’s a good example where only one of them works?
Rei冗談はともかく (jokes aside) — you wouldn’t say 冗談はとにかく here. ともかく is perfect for “setting X aside.” Conversely, とにかく早く来て！(Just get here quickly!) — とにかく is the natural, urgent choice there.
Quick Quiz
Fill in: とにかく or ともかく?
- 1. ___、まず落ち着こう。 (Anyway, let’s calm down first.)
- 2. 細かいことは___、大事なのは結果だ。 (Setting the details aside, what matters is the result.)
- 3. ___頑張れ！ (Just do your best, regardless!)
- 4. 好き嫌いは___、試してみて。 (Likes and dislikes aside, just try it.)
Answers: 1. とにかく or ともかく 2. ともかく 3. とにかく 4. ともかく
📖 Want to take your Japanese further? Practice speaking with a professional Japanese tutor on italki — affordable 1-on-1 online lessons at your own pace.
Summary
| とにかく | ともかく | |
|---|---|---|
| Core feel | Push past obstacles — action! | Set something aside and move on |
| Best for | Encouragement, insisting, urgency | Transitioning, acknowledging then pivoting |
| Register | Casual | Neutral to slightly formal |
Comments