de alguna manera
Lemma Details
Translation: somehow; in some way; one way or another; by some means
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase is composed of three elements: 'de' (from Latin 'de', meaning 'of/from'), 'alguna' (from Latin 'aliquem unam', meaning 'some one'), and 'manera' (from Latin 'manuaria', related to 'manus' meaning 'hand', which evolved to mean 'way of handling' and then simply 'way' or 'manner'). The phrase literally translates to 'in some manner' and functions similarly to the English 'somehow'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'manera' as 'manner' in English - 'de alguna manera' is literally 'in some manner'
- Visualize someone trying different ways to solve a problem - they'll find a solution 'de alguna manera' (somehow)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish conversation when expressing that something happened or will happen through unspecified means. It's a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'de alguna manera' means 'somehow' or 'in some way' (affirmative), 'de ninguna manera' means 'in no way' or 'by no means' (negative).
This word:
De alguna manera, vamos a solucionar este problema.
Somehow, we're going to solve this problem.
Confused word:
De ninguna manera voy a aceptar esas condiciones.
In no way will I accept those conditions.
Notes: These phrases are direct opposites, with one affirming that something can happen in some unspecified way, and the other denying any possibility.
Mnemonic: 'Alguna' contains 'alg-' which sounds like 'algo' (something), while 'ninguna' contains 'ning-' which sounds like 'no' or 'nothing'.
Explanation: 'De alguna manera' suggests 'somehow' or 'in some specific but unidentified way', while 'de cualquier manera' means 'in any way' or 'anyhow' with a sense of indifference to the method.
This word:
De alguna manera, tenemos que encontrar una solución.
Somehow, we need to find a solution.
Confused word:
Hazlo de cualquier manera, no importa cómo.
Do it any way you want, it doesn't matter how.
Notes: While similar, 'de alguna manera' focuses on the existence of some way, while 'de cualquier manera' emphasizes indifference to which way is chosen.
Mnemonic: 'Alguna' means 'some' (specific but unidentified), while 'cualquier' means 'any' (without specification or preference).