No Matter What, Must X with 说什么也得
说什么/怎么（着）也得X
Use 说什么也得 and 怎么也得 to express strong determination that something must happen regardless of obstacles
Place 说什么也得 or 怎么(着)也得 before the action to emphasize that no matter what happens, the action must be carried out. 得 (děi) here means "must/have to."
说什么 literally means "say what" and 怎么着 means "how/in what way." Combined with 也得, they create the meaning "no matter what anyone says / no matter what the circumstances, [someone] must..." The 着 (zhe) in 怎么着 is optional and more colloquial.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: No Matter What, Must X with 说什么也得 (说什么/怎么（着）也得X)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 说什么/怎么（着）也得X pattern
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Understanding 说什么/怎么（着）也得X
The patterns 说什么也得X and 怎么(着)也得X are powerful expressions of determination and obligation. When you say 说什么也得去看看他, you are declaring "no matter what anyone says or what obstacles arise, I absolutely must go see him." The speaker is communicating that the action is non-negotiable — excuses, difficulties, and objections are all irrelevant. 说什么也得 emphasizes that no verbal argument can change the outcome, while 怎么着也得 emphasizes that no circumstance can prevent it. Both forms are interchangeable in most situations. This pattern is deeply emotional and is commonly used when expressing care for loved ones, commitment to responsibilities, or urgency. It is a favorite in Chinese conversation for showing resolve, and mastering it will add genuine emotional depth to your spoken Chinese.
Key Points
- 说什么也得 = "no matter what is said, must" — emphasizes that no argument can change the plan.
- 怎么(着)也得 = "no matter what, must" — emphasizes that no circumstance can prevent the action.
- 得 (děi) is the key word meaning "must/have to" — do not confuse with 得 (de/dé).
- Both forms are interchangeable: 说什么也得去 ≈ 怎么也得去.
- Often used to express care: 他生病了，我说什么也得去看看。(He's sick — I must go see him no matter what.)
- Also used for urgency: 没时间了，说什么也得走了。(No time left — we absolutely must go now.)
This pattern reflects the Chinese value of 义气 (yìqi) — loyalty and commitment to relationships. When someone says 说什么也得去, they are showing that personal bonds outweigh convenience. In Chinese culture, showing up for people in times of need is one of the most respected qualities.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他生病了，我说什么也得去看看他。
He's sick — I absolutely must go see him no matter what.
这么重要的活动，你怎么也得来一下儿。
Such an important event — you really must come, no matter what.
没时间了，说什么也得走了。
There's no time left — we must leave now no matter what.
这是最后的机会，怎么着也得试一试。
This is the last chance — we absolutely must give it a try.
朋友结婚，我说什么也得到场。
A friend is getting married — I must be there no matter what.
孩子的学费，怎么也得凑齐。
The child's tuition — we must scrape it together no matter what.
爸妈过生日，说什么也得回家一趟。
It's my parents' birthday — I must go home no matter what.
明天的考试很重要，怎么着也得好好准备。
Tomorrow's exam is very important — I absolutely must prepare well.
Common Mistakes
While 要 (want to) is grammatically possible, the fixed pattern uses 得 (děi, must). Using 得 conveys stronger obligation and matches the idiomatic expression.
This pattern uses 也, not 都. While 都 can express a similar meaning in other patterns, the fixed expression is 说什么也得.
If 了 is used, it goes after the verb phrase, not between 得 and the verb. 得 must be directly followed by the action verb.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 说什么也得 when the emphasis is on rejecting excuses: "no matter what anyone says, I must..."
Use 怎么也得 when the emphasis is on overcoming obstacles: "no matter how hard it is, I must..."
This pattern sounds most natural when expressing care for people — visiting the sick, attending weddings, supporting friends.
Practice the pronunciation of 得 carefully: here it is děi (must), not de (structural particle) or dé (to obtain).
Homework
Write eight sentences using 说什么也得 and 怎么(着)也得 (four of each). Focus on situations involving family obligations, friendship loyalty, career responsibilities, and personal goals.