何と言っても
By any account, All the same, No doubt
Structure
Explanation
The expression 何といっても is used to emphasize what one believes to be the most important point, equivalent to saying 'after all is said and done, (A)', or 'above all else, (A)'. It is formed by combining the word 何 ('what'), the particle と, and the て-form of the verb 言う ('to say') with the particle も. This gives it a literal sense of 'no matter what else might be said, (A)'.
何といっても most often appears at the beginning of a clause and is typically used to single out an outstanding positive quality or reason.
- このスマホはデザインもいいし、バッテリーも長持ちする。でも、何といってもカメラの性能が素晴らしい。This smartphone has a nice design and a long-lasting battery. But what really makes it stand out is its fantastic camera.
- 留学は大変だったけど、何といっても新しい友達がたくさんできたのが一番嬉しかった。Studying abroad was tough, but hands down, the best part was making so many new friends.
- 京都は食べ物もおいしいし、お祭りも楽しい。でも、何といってもお寺が美しい。The food in Kyoto is delicious and the festivals are fun. But above all else, its temples are what's truly beautiful.
As with many words that follow 何, its pronunciation shifts to なん to allow for a smoother flow of speech.
Although 何といっても is generally used to highlight something positive, it can also be used, though much less frequently, to emphasize a negative point.
- この仕事の一番つらいところは、何といっても朝早く起きなければならないことだ。The hardest part of this job, when it comes right down to it, is having to wake up so early in the morning.
Examples
彼女の魅力は、何といってもその笑顔だ。
Her charm, above all else, is her smile.
京都の一番の魅力は、何といっても歴史的な建物です。
Kyoto's greatest appeal is, without a doubt, its historical buildings.
この映画の見どころは、何といっても最後のアクションシーンだ。
The highlight of this movie is, by any account, the final action scene.
あのパン屋の人気の理由は、何といっても焼きたてのメロンパンでしょう。
The reason for that bakery's popularity is, no doubt, their freshly baked melon bread.
このパソコンのすごいところは、何といってもバッテリーが長持ちすることです。
The amazing thing about this laptop is, by any account, that its battery lasts so long.
日本の夏の食べ物といえば、何といってもかき氷だ。
When you talk about summer food in Japan, the best thing is, without a doubt, shaved ice.
旅行は観光もいいが、何といっても地元の料理を味わうのが楽しみだ。
Sightseeing on a trip is nice, but what I look forward to most is trying the local cuisine.
私の故郷は色々な名物がありますが、何といってもお米が自慢です。
My hometown has various specialty products, but above all else, we are proud of our rice.
彼女は仕事もできるし、スポーツも万能だ。でも、何といっても性格が良い。
She's good at her job and is a great all-around athlete. But most importantly, she has a wonderful personality.
この旅館は部屋も食事も素晴らしい。しかし、何といっても露天風呂からの眺めが最高だ。
This traditional inn has wonderful rooms and meals. But best of all, the view from the outdoor bath is incredible.
このお店は安くて品揃えもいい。何といっても店員さんが親切だ。
This shop is cheap and has a good selection. But most of all, the staff are very kind.
朝のジョギングは健康にいい。しかし、何といっても気分がすっきりするから続けている。
Morning jogging is good for your health. But above all, I keep doing it because it clears my head.