Japanese grammar
What does だれでも mean? Japanese grammar N5
だれでも means everyone...; anyone.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | だれでも + affirmative clause |
| Romaji | daredemo |
| Meaning | everyone...; anyone |
Forming it
| Connection | だれでも + verb/adjective/noun |
|---|
How to use it
States that NO ONE is excluded — anyone at all, anyone can do it.
- Used with an AFFIRMATIVE. If the following clause is negative, switch to 「だれも」: 「だれも来ません」.
- Same family: 「なんでも」 (anything at all), 「どこでも」 (anywhere at all), 「いつでも」 (anytime at all).
Examples
このゲームはだれでもできます。
Anyone can play this game.
だれでも疲れることがあります。
Everyone gets tired sometimes.
Keep in mind
- For extra emphasis, add 「が」: 「だれでもが」 — rare, sounds stiff.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこのゲームはだれでもできません。
No one can play this game.
Correctこのゲームはだれもできません。
「だれでも」 is used with an affirmative. "No one" in a negative sentence must use 「だれも」.
-
Wrongこのゲームはだれかできます。
Anyone can play this game.
Correctこのゲームはだれでもできます。
「だれか」 means "someone" (unspecified) — it does not mean "anyone at all".
Exam tips
- でも + affirmative; も + negative.