however

word

/ˌhaʊˈɛvɝ/
how-EV-ur
/haʊˈɛvɐ/
how-EV-uh

Definition

Used to introduce a contrast, showing that the next statement is different from or surprising compared to what came before. It can also mean “in whatever way” in more formal uses.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, however is a formal connector meaning “but,” especially in writing: “It was expensive; however, I bought it.” In conversation, people usually prefer “but.” It can appear mid-sentence with commas. A different, more formal pattern is “however + adjective/adverb” meaning “no matter how,” as in “however hard you try.”

Spanish: sin embargo - no obstante - sin importar cómoPortuguese (BR): porém - no entanto - de qualquer formaPortuguese (PT): porém - no entanto - seja como forChinese (Simplified): 然而 - 不过 - 无论怎样Chinese (Traditional): 然而 - 不過 - 無論怎樣Hindi: हालाँकि - फिर भी - चाहे जैसेArabic: ومع ذلك - لكن - كيفماBengali: তবে - যদিও - যেভাবেই (উপায়ে)Russian: однако - как бы ниJapanese: しかし - どんなに～してもVietnamese: tuy nhiên - dù choKorean: 그러나 - 아무리 ~해도Turkish: ancak - her ne kadar - nasıl olursa olsunUrdu: تاہم - جیسے بھیIndonesian: namun - bagaimanapun

Example Sentences

He said he was busy; however, he somehow found time to post online all day.

natural

However hard I try, I can never remember her phone number.

natural

I wanted to go out. However, it started to rain.

basic

The book is short. However, it is very useful.

basic

However you do it, please be careful.

basic

The plan sounds good. However, I still think we need more time.

natural