如何なる
What kind of, No matter what kind of, No … (with a negative verb), Any... (with a negative verb)
Structure
Explanation
如何なる is formed from the words 如何 and なる. The なる part is a remnant of the classical auxiliary verb なり, meaning 'to be'. When read as いか, 如何 is not used by itself and must be attached to another word. Its meaning is identical to the modern word どう ('how'). As a result, いかなる is a more formal, literary equivalent of どんな ('what kind of') and is generally reserved for writing.
いかなる is an attributive adjective, which means it will always be placed immediately before a noun to describe it.
- いかなる理由があっても、約束を破ってはいけませんよ。Whatever the reason, you must not break a promise.
- この店はいかなる支払い方法でも受け付けています。This store accepts any method of payment.
- 彼は、いかなる挑戦にも立ち向かう覚悟がある。He is prepared to face any challenge, no matter what it may be.
Much like どんな, when いかなる is used in a sentence with the particle に, it is often followed by a negative expression. This conveys a meaning of 'no matter what kind of (A)' or 'regardless of (A)'. However, a key difference is that に is not placed right after いかなる. Instead, it appears later in the phrase, usually just before the verb.
- いかなる場所にいても、家族のことを決して忘れません。No matter what place I'm in, I will never forget my family.
- 彼女はいかなる批判にも耳を貸さず、自分の道を歩み続けた。She continued on her own path, regardless of any criticism she received.
The shortened version いかな may be encountered from time to time, but it is considerably less common.
- いかな事態にも冷静に対応できるリーダーが必要です。We need a leader who can respond calmly to any situation.
Fun Fact
Both な and なる originate from the classical auxiliary verb なり. The influence of なり can be seen in many areas of modern Japanese. One example is なら, the hypothetical form of だ, which also comes from なり and carries its 'to be' meaning. While な is the standard choice for most adjectival nouns, なる is sometimes used in its place to give a sentence a more poetic or archaic sound.
Examples
当美術館では如何なる方でも、館内での写真撮影はご遠慮ください。
At this art museum, we ask that all visitors refrain from taking photographs inside, no matter who they are.
トップアスリートは、如何なる困難にも屈しない強い精神力を持っている。
Top athletes have the mental fortitude to never give in to any kind of hardship.
このソフトウェアの利用によって生じた如何なる損害についても、弊社は責任を負いかねます。
Our company cannot be held responsible for any damages that arise from the use of this software.
裁判官は、如何なる人物に対しても公平な判決を下さなければならない。
A judge must deliver an impartial verdict to anyone, no matter who they are.
当店は、お客様が如何なる理由で満足されなくとも、全額返金をお約束します。
Our store promises a full refund if a customer is not satisfied, no matter the reason.
探偵は事件を解決するため、如何なる小さな手がかりも見逃さなかった。
In order to solve the case, the detective didn't overlook any clue, no matter how small.
歴史の教科書：「この戦争は、如何なる影響を後世に与えたのか？」
History Textbook: 'What kind of influence did this war have on future generations?'
彼は如何なる状況下でも、自分自身の信念を曲げない人だ。
He is the kind of person who never compromises his own beliefs, no matter the circumstances.
医者たるもの、如何なる患者であっても、差別なく治療にあたるべきだ。
As a doctor, one should treat any patient without discrimination, no matter who they are.
契約書には、如何なる場合においても契約内容は変更できないと明記されている。
It is clearly stated in the contract that the terms cannot be changed under any circumstances whatsoever.
目標を達成するためなら、私は如何なる努力も惜しまないつもりだ。
In order to achieve my goal, I'm prepared to spare no effort, no matter what it takes.
法律の前では、如何なる国民も平等に扱われる権利がある。
Before the law, every citizen has the right to be treated equally, without exception.