いくら何(なん)でも

いくらなんでも
adverb, expression
no matter how; even so; there's a limit
expression
1. no matter how; even so; there's a limit to everything
used to express that something has gone too far or exceeded reasonable limits, often with a sense of criticism or disbelief
いくら何(なん)でも高(たか)すぎる。
No matter how you look at it, it's too expensive.
いくら何(なん)でも、それは失礼(しつれい)だと思(おも)う。
That's going too far — I think it's rude.
Doing it all alone is just asking too much.

Common patterns

いくら (how much) + 何(なん)でも (whatever/anything)

  • いくら何(なん)でも~すぎる - "it's too ... no matter how you look at it"
  • いくら何(なん)でも~は無理(むり)だ - "there's no way ... (even considering everything)"

Usage

Used to express:

  • Something has exceeded reasonable bounds
  • A limit should be recognized
  • Disbelief or criticism at excess

Similar words

  • いかに~ても - no matter how much
  • どんなに~ても - no matter how much
  • さすがに - even so (similar nuance of "there's a limit")

Related Words