N'importe quoi = Nonsense, anything (French Indefinite Pronouns)

N'importe quoi is a very peculiar expression in French.

How to use "n'importe quoi" in French

N'importe quoi  = "anything"

The original meaning of n'importe quoi is "anything", but it's not the most common use of it.

Pour toi, je ferais n'importe quoi !For you, I would do anything!

  

N'importe quoi  = "nonsense" (main meaning) 

It is most commonly used to express a lack of understanding at a situation. It is actually closer to "nonsense".

It is a very difficult expression to translate to English, as it can be translated differently depending on the context. 

Regarde-le ! Il fait n'importe quoi !Look at him! He's being silly / He doesn't know what he's doing!

Pfff ! N'importe quoi !Pfff! Nonsense!

Tu dis n'importe quoi !You're talking nonsense / You don't make sense!

Note that "n'importe quoi" is a very common expression.

 

See also the related lesson: Autre chose/quelque chose d'autre = Something else (French Indefinite Pronouns)

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Examples and resources

Regarde-le ! Il fait n'importe quoi !Look at him! He's being silly / He doesn't know what he's doing!
Pfff ! N'importe quoi !Pfff! Nonsense!
Tu dis n'importe quoi !You're talking nonsense / You don't make sense!
Pour toi, je ferais n'importe quoi !For you, I would do anything!
I'll be right with you...