どうせ
Meanings
- anyhow
- at any rate
- in any case
- I have no doubt that
- probably
About this pattern
Explanation
どうせ is a casual and slightly pessimistic adverb used to indicate that, regardless of actions or options, the outcome will be unfavorable or inevitable. It often carries a sense of resignation, complaint, or downplaying the usefulness of effort. It can introduce a reason for giving up, avoiding effort, or belittling alternatives. After どうせ, the speaker usually attaches a judgment about the outcome, frequently with a negative tint, even when the following clause is not explicitly negative. In everyday conversation, it signals the speaker’s belief that changing the situation is unlikely or not worth the trouble.
Learn in context
Example sentences
If I’m going to fail anyway, I’d better give up from the start.
He’s not going to come anyway. There’s no point waiting any longer.
This plan is bound to fail anyway, so let’s think of another idea.
I probably can’t do it anyway. I have no choice but to give up.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsAt least; Even if not more, at minimum
View details