Anyway or Anyways in Tagalog: The Complete Guide to Correct Usage

Quick answer: Use “anyway” (without the “s”) in formal writing and standard English. “Anyways” is informal and colloquial. In Tagalog, both translate to “kahit ano,” “anyway,” or “sa kabuuan,” but when Filipinos speak English or Taglish, “anyway” remains the grammatically correct choice for professional contexts.

If you’re writing in English or mixing Tagalog and English (Taglish), you’ve probably wondered whether to use “anyway” or “anyways.” This confusion is extremely common among Filipino English speakers, students, and professionals alike. The truth is straightforward: one form is standard English, while the other is casual speech that should be avoided in formal writing.

When to use “anyway”

“Anyway” is the grammatically correct form in standard English. According to Grammarly, “anyway” functions as a conjunctive adverb that means “in spite of that,” “regardless,” or “nevertheless.” You should use this form in every formal context.

I’ve corrected this error countless times in resumes, cover letters, and business proposals from Filipino job seekers. Here’s when you must use “anyway”:

• Academic writing: Research papers, thesis documents, and school essays
• Professional communication: Work emails, memos, reports, and client correspondence
• Formal documents: Contracts, legal papers, and official letters
• Job applications: Resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles

Real-world examples:

1. Email mistake I fixed: “Thanks for the feedback, but I’ll submit the report anyways.” → Corrected: “Thanks for the feedback, but I’ll submit the report anyway.”

2. Resume error: “Managed multiple projects anyways despite limited resources.” → Corrected: “Managed multiple projects anyway despite limited resources.”

3. Business proposal: “The budget was cut, but we can deliver the project anyways.” → Corrected: “The budget was cut, but we can deliver the project anyway.”

When you’re writing to a boss, client, professor, or anyone in a professional setting, always choose “anyway.” It signals that you understand standard English conventions and pay attention to detail.

When to use “anyways”

“Anyways” is the informal, colloquial version of “anyway.” While it’s widely used in casual spoken English, it’s considered nonstandard and should be avoided in formal writing. The Wikipedia entry on anyways notes that this form has been used since the 13th century but remains primarily a feature of informal speech and dialect.

You might use “anyways” in these situations:

• Text messages to friends or family
• Social media posts and casual online comments
• Spoken conversation with friends (though even here, “anyway” works fine)
• Creative writing when depicting casual dialogue or specific character voices

Important note for Filipino English speakers: Even though “anyways” sounds natural in casual conversation, using it in professional contexts can hurt your credibility. I’ve seen talented professionals lose job opportunities because their cover letters contained “anyways” instead of “anyway.”

Casual examples where “anyways” might appear:

• “Anyways, let’s grab lunch later!” (text message to a friend)
• “I don’t really like that restaurant, but we can go anyways.” (casual conversation)
• “Anyways, that’s what happened last night.” (informal storytelling)

Here’s the reality: if you’re typing in Taglish or mixing Filipino and English in casual settings, you might slip into “anyways” naturally. But when it’s time to write something important—whether it’s a job application, a school paper, or a business email—switch to “anyway” without hesitation.

How to say “anyway” in Tagalog

When translating “anyway” into Tagalog or using it in Taglish conversation, you have several options depending on the context:

Direct Tagalog equivalents:

• “Kahit ano” – literally “whatever,” used to express indifference or moving forward despite obstacles
• “Sa kabuuan” – means “overall” or “in summary,” used when wrapping up a point
• “Anuman” – formal Tagalog for “anyhow” or “regardless”
• “Gayunpaman” – formal transition word meaning “however” or “nevertheless”

Taglish usage (mixing English and Tagalog):

Most Filipinos simply use “anyway” as-is when speaking Taglish. This is completely natural and widely accepted in casual conversation.

Examples:

• “Hindi siya sumagot, pero tinawagan ko siya anyway.” (He didn’t answer, but I called him anyway.)
• “Mahal ang ticket, pero pupunta kami anyway.” (The ticket is expensive, but we’ll go anyway.)
• “Anyway, kumain na tayo.” (Anyway, let’s eat now.)

The key point: Whether you’re speaking pure English, pure Tagalog, or Taglish, the formal written standard remains the same—use “anyway” without the “s” in any professional or academic writing.

How to remember the difference

Here’s a simple memory trick that I teach my editing clients:

“Anyway” = “Any” + “Way” (two words, no extra letters)

Think of it this way: “any way” literally means “in any manner” or “by any method.” When you combine these two words into the adverb “anyway,” you keep the same spelling—no extra “s” needed.

Another trick: The “s” in “anyways” stands for “sloppy” or “speech.” If you’re writing something important, don’t be sloppy—drop the “s.”

Editor’s insight: Here’s a professional trick I use when proofreading: I search for “anyways” using Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) in any document I’m editing. This catches every instance instantly. You can do the same before submitting important papers or applications.

The “S” test:

• If you’re writing something that will be Seen by a Supervisor, School, or Stranger—remove the S.
• If it’s just casual speech or texts to friends, the “s” doesn’t matter as much.

Common mistakes and exceptions

Mistake #1: Using “anyways” in formal emails

This is the most common error I see from Filipino professionals. They write perfectly good emails but slip in “anyways” when transitioning between points. Example:

• Wrong: “Thanks for your time. Anyways, I’ve attached the report.”
• Right: “Thanks for your time. Anyway, I’ve attached the report.”

Mistake #2: Confusing “anyway” with “any way”

These are two different constructions:

• “Anyway” (one word) = regardless, nevertheless

  • “It’s raining, but we’ll go anyway.”

• “Any way” (two words) = any method or manner

  • “Is there any way to fix this?”
  • “You can reach me any way you prefer.”

Mistake #3: Overusing “anyway” as a filler word

In both English and Taglish, people sometimes use “anyway” excessively to transition between unrelated thoughts. While this is fine in speech, it weakens your writing. Instead of starting every paragraph with “anyway,” use stronger transitions like “moreover,” “however,” or “furthermore.”

US vs. UK English:

Good news: both American and British English agree on this one. “Anyway” is standard in both varieties. “Anyways” is considered informal in both. Unlike “color/colour” or “organize/organise,” there’s no regional variation here.

Exception in creative writing:

If you’re writing fiction, dialogue, or poetry, you might intentionally use “anyways” to:

• Capture a character’s natural speech pattern
• Create a casual, conversational tone
• Reflect regional dialect or informal voice

But this is a stylistic choice, not a grammar rule. In academic, business, or professional writing, there are no exceptions—always use “anyway.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “anyways” a real word?

Yes, “anyways” is a real word with historical usage dating back centuries, but it’s classified as informal or colloquial. It’s acceptable in casual speech and informal writing but should be avoided in formal contexts like academic papers, business communication, and professional documents.

What is the Tagalog translation of “anyway”?

The most common Tagalog translations are “kahit ano” (whatever), “sa kabuuan” (overall), or simply “anyway” when speaking Taglish. In formal Tagalog writing, you might use “gayunpaman” (however) or “anuman” (anyhow) depending on the context.

Can I use “anyways” in text messages or social media?

Yes, “anyways” is perfectly acceptable in informal digital communication like text messages, social media posts, and casual online chats. However, if you’re messaging a professor, boss, or client, it’s safer to use the standard form “anyway” to maintain professionalism.

Why do so many Filipinos say “anyways” instead of “anyway”?

The informal “anyways” is common in casual spoken English worldwide, not just in the Philippines. In Taglish conversation, the extra “s” often slips in naturally because it sounds conversational and relaxed. The key is recognizing when to switch to formal “anyway”—specifically in writing, professional settings, and academic work.

Brian Garcia

Brian Garcia has always been fascinated by the intricacies of the English language. With a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago and over 15 years of experience in the field, Brian has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of word usage, comparisons, and spelling. His expertise lies in breaking down commonly confused words, helping readers gain clarity and confidence in their language skills. What drew Brian to this field was his passion for storytelling and his love for the art of communication. As a content creator for WordCompareHub, he focuses on engaging readers with insightful articles that demystify tricky word pairs and offer practical spelling tips. In his free time, Brian enjoys delving into etymology and exploring the evolution of words through history.