任何 (rènhé) — any; whatever; whichever

任何 (rènhé)

任何 is a universal quantifier used before nouns to mean "any," "whatever," or "whichever," indicating that no member of a set is excluded.

Meanings

1. [pronoun / adjective] any; whatever; whichever (used before a noun to indicate "no matter which one" or "every possible one," often in negative or conditional sentences)

Usage Note

任何 must be followed by a noun (or noun phrase). It is most commonly used in:

• Negative sentences: 没有任何问题 (no problem whatsoever)
• Conditional sentences: 如果有任何问题 (if there is any problem)
• Universal statements: 任何人都可以参加 (anyone can participate)

Compare with 任意 (rènyì), which means "arbitrary / any at one's discretion," used more in math or technical contexts.

Example Sentences

我没有任何问题。 Wǒ méiyǒu rènhé wèntí. I have no questions whatsoever.

任何人都可以参加这个活动。 Rènhé rén dōu kěyǐ cānjiā zhège huódòng. Anyone can participate in this activity.

他不接受任何批评。 Tā bù jiēshòu rènhé pīpíng. He does not accept any criticism.

如果有任何困难，请告诉我。 Rúguǒ yǒu rènhé kùnnán, qǐng gàosù wǒ. If there is any difficulty, please let me know.

Collocations

Memory Hook

任 means "to entrust / to allow freely" and 何 means "what / which." Together: "freely whatever" or "whichever you allow." If something is open to 任何, it is open to every possible option without restriction.