however
gb/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/ us/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
B1
English
~ 200
azonban, ennek ellenére, viszont, akárhogy, ahogy, bármilyen ... is, ahogy tud, akárhogyan, bármilyen módon
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[statement]. However, [contrasting statement].
I wanted to go for a walk. However, it started raining.
El akartam menni sétálni. Azonban elkezdett esni az eső.
The plan was well thought out. However, it failed in execution.
A terv jól át volt gondolva. A megvalósítás során azonban kudarcot vallott.
She said she was tired. However, she kept working late into the night.
Learner examples
I like this dress. However, it is too expensive.
Tetszik ez a ruha. Viszont túl drága.
He studied hard. However, he did not pass the exam.
Keményen tanult. Ennek ellenére nem ment át a vizsgán.
It is sunny today. However, it is very cold.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'however' with 'but' in sentence position; 'however' is more common at the start of a sentence or after a semicolon in writing.
Meaning
used to contrast with earlier point
Collocations
however, it seems
|however hard
|however unlikely
|however much
Synonyms
nevertheless (Slightly more formal; often interchangeable in writing.)
|
but (More common in speech and less formal.)
Antonyms
therefore (Signals a conclusion or result rather than contrast.)
Themes
communication
|logic
|writing
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say something different from what was said before.
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has just been said.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
however + [adjective/adverb] + [clause]
However hard I try, I can't solve this problem.
Bármilyen keményen próbálkozom is, nem tudom megoldani ezt a problémát.
You can decorate the room however you like.
Úgy díszítheted ki a szobát, ahogy szeretnéd.
However much he eats, he never gains weight.
Learner examples
However fast I run, I am late.
Bármilyen gyorsan futok is, elkések.
You can sit however you want.
Úgy ülhetsz, ahogy szeretnél.
However much she studies, she is nervous.
Common mistake:
Learners may omit the adjective/adverb after 'however', making the sentence incomplete.
Meaning
no matter how much or in what way
Collocations
however hard
|however much
|however difficult
Synonyms
regardless of how (More formal and explicit.)
Antonyms
only if (Introduces a condition instead of removing it.)
Themes
communication
|emphasis
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to mean 'no matter how' something happens.
Used to emphasize that it does not matter how much or in what way something happens.
B2
3
Usage pattern:
however + [verb phrase]
We must finish the project however we can.
Be kell fejeznünk a projektet, ahogy csak tudjuk.
She managed to escape however she did it.
Akárhogyan is csinálta, sikerült megszöknie.
Get the job done however possible.
Learner examples
I will help you however I can.
Segíteni fogok neked, ahogy csak tudok.
Please fix it however you can.
Kérlek, javítsd meg, ahogy csak tudod.
He solved the problem however he could.
Meaning
by any means or method
Collocations
achieve it however possible
|fix it however you can
Synonyms
by any means (Emphasizes determination to achieve something.)
Antonyms
in no way (States impossibility instead of possibility.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In any way or method possible.
By whatever means or in whatever manner.
Grammar
Dictionary form
however
IPA
GB/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
US/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
Syllables & stress
how - ever (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ever)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: however
- Plural: howevers
Word family
Expressions
however you look at it
1/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ jˈu lˈʊk ˈæt ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
in every possible way of viewing
No matter how you think about it, the result is the same.
Examples
- However you look at it, the decision was unfair.
- It's a bad deal, however you look at it.
however you slice it
1/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ jˈu slˈaɪs ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
in every possible interpretation
No matter how you think about something, the result is the same.
Examples
- It's going to be expensive, however you slice it.
- However you slice it, we have a problem.