No Matter What: 无论如何
无论如何
Use 无论如何 to express unconditional determination or resolve regardless of circumstances
无论如何 means "no matter what" or "regardless of the circumstances." It expresses unconditional determination — the speaker will do something regardless of any obstacle or condition. It often pairs with 都 or 也.
无论如何 can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence. It is often followed by 都 or 也 to reinforce the unconditional nature. The expression can also be used to make strong requests or express firm resolve. Variants include 不管怎样 (more colloquial) and 不论如何.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: No Matter What: 无论如何 (无论如何)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 无论如何 pattern
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Understanding 无论如何
The expression 无论如何 is one of the most powerful ways to express unwavering determination in Chinese. It literally means "regardless of how" (无论=regardless of, 如何=how), and when you use it, you are declaring that no matter what obstacles arise, no matter what conditions change, your action or decision will remain the same. It is the Chinese equivalent of "no matter what," "come what may," or "at all costs." This expression carries weight and seriousness — using it signals deep resolve. It appears in both formal and informal contexts: a mother telling her child 无论如何我都会支持你 (I will support you no matter what), or a general declaring 无论如何我们都不能退缩 (under no circumstances can we retreat). It is versatile, emphatic, and emotionally resonant.
Key Points
- 无论如何 means "no matter what; regardless of circumstances."
- It expresses unconditional determination, resolve, or commitment.
- Often paired with 都 or 也: 无论如何都要… / 无论如何也不…
- Can express positive resolve (I will definitely do X) or negative resolve (I absolutely will not do X).
- More formal than 不管怎样, which serves a similar function.
- Used in both spoken and written Chinese across all registers.
Expressions of firm determination (决心) carry significant cultural weight in Chinese society. Using 无论如何 signals that you have thought carefully and made an unshakeable commitment — it is not used lightly in genuine communication.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
无论如何，我们都不能放弃。
No matter what, we cannot give up.
Expresses firm resolve
无论如何，我都会准时到达。
No matter what, I will arrive on time.
无论如何我也要见她一面。
No matter what, I must see her at least once.
这件事无论如何不能告诉别人。
This matter must not be told to anyone under any circumstances.
无论如何，请你再考虑考虑。
Please, at the very least, reconsider.
Used for a strong request
她无论如何都要把这本书读完。
She is determined to finish this book no matter what.
无论如何，安全是第一位的。
No matter what, safety comes first.
Common Mistakes
无论如何 is a complete expression meaning "no matter what." Do not add specific conditions after it. For specific conditions, use 无论 alone: 无论他来不来。
无论如何 is a fixed adverbial phrase and cannot be modified by 很 or other degree adverbs.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Pair 无论如何 with 都 or 也 for the most natural sentence structure.
Use it for genuine determination — it carries emotional weight and should not be used for trivial matters.
In casual speech, 不管怎样 serves the same function with a lighter tone.
无论如何 can soften a request when combined with 请: 无论如何请你…
Homework
Write three sentences expressing determination using 无论如何: one about a personal goal, one about protecting something/someone you care about, and one making a strong request to someone. Then rewrite each using the more colloquial 不管怎样 and note how the tone changes.