however
/haʊˈevə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /haʊˈevər/ (ame, ipa) · /hau̇-ˈe-vər/ (ame, mw)
however — 副詞
1. Precedes an adjective or an adverb in a sentence where the speaker says a situat
無論多麼
與形容詞或副詞連用，表無論程度大小
Precedes an adjective or an adverb in a sentence where the speaker says a situation stays true regardless of degree or amount.
However hard Eitan trained, he never managed to beat his older sister at chess.
無論 Eitan 多麼努力訓練，他始終無法在西洋棋上打敗姊姊。
however + adj (hard) + subject + verb pattern
You should apply for the scholarship, however small your chance of getting it seems.
你應該申請那份獎學金，無論你的錄取機會看起來多麼渺茫。
however + adj in concessive clause after comma
However carefully Lisa wrapped the vase, it still arrived cracked.
無論 Lisa 多麼小心地包裝花瓶，送達時還是裂開了。
Ramón refuses to give up, however many setbacks he faces.
Ramón 拒絕放棄，無論他面臨多少次挫折。
- no matter how
more common in everyday speech; interchangeable with 'however' in this sense
- regardless of how
slightly more formal, often emphasises determination
文法句型
However + [adj/adv] + [subject] + [verb]
用法筆記
The clause that contains 'however' (the concessive clause) can appear at the beginning or the end of the sentence. When it comes first, the main clause follows a comma. The adjective or adverb must come immediately after 'however'.
常見錯誤
2. Used in questions to express strong surprise, disbelief, or bewilderment about h
究竟；到底
在問句中表達驚訝或難以置信
Used in questions to express strong surprise, disbelief, or bewilderment about how something happened or could be true.
However did Sahil manage to finish the entire marathon in under three hours?
Sahil 到底是怎麼在三小時內跑完全程馬拉松的？
however + did + subject + verb for surprise question
However did Aylin find her lost ring in that huge park?
Aylin 究竟是怎麼在那麼大的公園裡找到她遺失的戒指的？
However could you have known about the surprise party when nobody told you?
既然沒有人告訴你，你究竟是怎麼知道那場驚喜派對的？
However did Romi persuade her parents to let her study abroad for a whole year?
Romi 究竟是怎麼說服父母讓她出國留學一整年的？
- how on earth
similar level of surprise, more common in British English
- how in the world
common in both US and UK English; clearer than 'however' for this sense
文法句型
However + did/could + subject + verb?
用法筆記
Restricted to questions. In formal writing, 'how in the world' or 'how on earth' are preferred over 'however' for this sense because 'however' at the start of a question can confuse readers expecting the concessive meaning.
常見錯誤
3. Refers to the manner or method of doing something, saying that the result does n
無論如何
不分方式或方法，結果不變
Refers to the manner or method of doing something, saying that the result does not depend on which particular way is chosen.
Adina sets up the exhibition booth however the organizers instruct.
Adina 依照主辦單位指示的方式來佈置展覽攤位。
however + subject + verb for method/manner
However you decorate the hall, leave enough space for the band.
無論你怎麼佈置大廳，都要記得幫樂團留足夠的空間。
however + subject + verb at start of sentence
Stephanie edits the report tables however her supervisor prefers.
Stephanie 按照主管偏好的方式編輯報表表格。
The librarian said they could borrow the equipment however they liked.
圖書館員說，他們可以隨自己喜歡的方式借用設備。
- no matter how
more conversational; the preferred form in everyday speech
- whichever way
more specific to method/choice rather than manner
文法句型
However + subject + verb
用法筆記
Closely related to sense 1 (TO WHATEVER DEGREE): the difference is that sense 1 focuses on quantity or degree, while sense 3 focuses on method or manner. In many sentences the two overlap — 'however you do it' can mean both 'no matter how carefully' (degree) and 'no matter which method' (manner).
4. Links two ideas by presenting the second one as different, opposite, or unexpect
然而
引出與前述相反的陳述
Links two ideas by presenting the second one as different, opposite, or unexpected in light of the first — similar to 'but' but placed more flexibly within the sentence.
The restaurant had a long wait. However, Soraya got a table for Friday night.
那家餐廳要等很久。然而，Soraya 還是訂到了星期五晚上的位子。
However + comma at start of sentence
Élise had studied hard for weeks. Her test results, however, were disappointing.
Élise 努力準備了好幾個星期。她的考試成績，然而，卻令人失望。
mid-sentence position with commas on both sides
Paul loves the city's energy. Some days, however, he misses the quiet of the countryside.
Paul 喜歡這座城市的活力。有些日子，然而，他還是會懷念鄉下的寧靜。
The job offered a generous salary. The commute, however, was over two hours each way.
那份工作薪水優渥。通勤時間，然而，單程就要超過兩個小時。
- nevertheless
more formal and emphatic; often used in academic writing
- nonetheless
very similar to 'nevertheless'; slightly less common
- but
less formal; cannot appear mid-sentence; used in everyday speech
- yet
slightly more formal than 'but'; carries a nuance of something unexpected
文法句型
[Statement]. However, [contrasting statement].
[Statement]. [Subject], however, [verb].
用法筆記
Comma placement is essential: when 'however' begins a sentence, place a comma after it ('However, ...'). When it appears mid-sentence, put a comma before and after it ('..., however, ...'). Do NOT use 'however' to join two independent clauses with only a comma — that creates a comma splice. Use a semicolon or start a new sentence instead: ❌ 'I was tired, however I kept working.' ✅ 'I was tired. However, I kept working.' ✅ 'I was tired; however, I kept working.' This sense is more formal than 'but' — in casual conversation, 'but' is preferred.
常見錯誤
however — 連接詞
1. Describes any possible method or approach by which something may occur — functio
任憑；不管
無論以何種方式（書面用法）
Describes any possible method or approach by which something may occur — functions as a conjunction connecting a clause of manner to a main clause.
However the judges decide to score the performance, Eitan promised to stay positive.
任憑評審如何給這場表演打分數，Eitan 都答應會保持正面態度。
conjunction linking two clauses
However the negotiations play out, the company plans to move forward with the merger.
無論談判結果如何，公司都打算繼續推動合併案。
However the story ends, Liang is determined to finish writing it this month.
無論故事的結局如何，Liang 都決心在這個月把它寫完。
However the search team approaches the rescue, every second will matter.
無論搜救隊用什麼方式進行救援，每一秒都至關重要。
- no matter how
far more common in everyday English; the standard choice for conversation and informal writing
文法句型
However + clause + main clause
用法筆記
This conjunction sense is largely literary in modern English. In everyday speech, 'no matter how' or 'regardless of how' is preferred. The clause introduced by 'however' can come either first or second.
2. In spite of the fact that something is true — used to introduce a clause that se
雖然；儘管
儘管……但是（正式書面用法）
In spite of the fact that something is true — used to introduce a clause that seems to contradict the main clause but does not prevent it from being true.
Sahil refused to accept the award, however deserving the committee thought he was.
Sahil 拒絕接受那個獎項，儘管委員會認為他實至名歸。
however + adj + subject + verb as conjunction (='although')
However much Aylin wanted to trust her friend, she knew the story was false.
儘管 Aylin 很想相信她的朋友，但她知道那個故事是假的。
However cold the winter gets, Élise refuses to wear a wool coat.
儘管冬天再冷，Élise 也堅持不穿羊毛大衣。
However reluctant Hoa felt, she agreed to lead the team meeting.
儘管 Hoa 心裡很不情願，她還是同意主持小組會議。
- although
standard modern choice; simpler and more natural in most contexts
- even though
adds emphasis; very common in both speech and writing
- though
can appear at the end of a clause; more conversational
文法句型
However + [adj/adv] + subject + verb, main clause
用法筆記
Considered archaic or highly literary. In modern English, 'although' or 'even though' are used almost exclusively for this meaning. When used as a conjunction, 'however' must be followed by an adjective or adverb — similar to adverb sense 1 but functioning as a conjunction that joins two clauses.