de cualquier manera
Lemma Details
Translation: anyway; anyhow; in any case; regardless; no matter what
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This Spanish adverbial phrase combines 'de' (of/from), 'cualquier' (any), and 'manera' (way/manner). 'Cualquier' derives from Latin 'qualis' (of what kind) + 'quaerere' (to seek), while 'manera' comes from Latin 'manuaria' (handled in a certain way), ultimately from 'manus' (hand). The phrase literally means 'in any way' or 'by any means' and has evolved to express the idea of doing something regardless of circumstances or consequences.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
De cualquier manera, voy a terminar este proyecto hoy.
Anyway, I'm going to finish this project today.
Ella va a venir de cualquier manera, así que deberíamos prepararnos.
She's going to come anyway, so we should get ready.
De cualquier manera, no importa lo que digan los demás.
In any case, it doesn't matter what others say.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cualquier' as 'any' and 'manera' as 'way' - literally 'in any way' = 'anyway'
- Visualize someone shrugging their shoulders saying 'de cualquier manera' to mean 'whatever, I'll do it anyway'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish conversation to express that something will happen or should be done regardless of circumstances. It can sometimes carry a slight tone of resignation or determination depending on context.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'De cualquier manera' means 'anyway/regardless' while 'de alguna manera' means 'somehow/in some way' and implies finding a specific method to accomplish something.
Confused word:
Tenemos que encontrar de alguna manera una solución.
We have to somehow find a solution.
Notes: 'De cualquier manera' expresses indifference to method or circumstance, while 'de alguna manera' suggests there is a specific way that needs to be found.
Mnemonic: 'Cualquier' (any) is more absolute and comprehensive than 'alguna' (some).
Explanation: 'De cualquier manera' is neutral and means 'anyway,' while 'de mala manera' has a negative connotation meaning 'in a bad way' or 'rudely.'
This word:
De cualquier manera, vamos a continuar con el plan.
Anyway, we're going to continue with the plan.
Confused word:
Me habló de mala manera cuando le pedí ayuda.
He spoke to me rudely when I asked for help.
Notes: The tone and context are completely different - one is about proceeding regardless of circumstances, the other describes poor behavior or execution.
Mnemonic: 'Mala' clearly indicates something negative (bad), while 'cualquier' is neutral (any).