Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 6/23

どうせAnyhow, At any rate, In any case, I have no doubt that, Probably

Structure

どうせ + Phrase

Details

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About どうせ

どうせ is an adverb used in Japanese to express that some particular state or condition of (A) will result in (B). Usually, there is no way to stop (B) from happening, and it is considered a natural consequence of (A). In English, this translates closely with phrases like 'at any rate', or 'in any case'.

Being an adverb, どうせ most often appears at the beginning of sentences, before going on to describe the inevitable situation.

どうせ often carries the nuance of frustration or resignation that (A) cannot be changed. In these cases, it is often paired with other grammar structures such as なら or だから. This shows that if (A) cannot be changed, then (B) is a good idea. This usage translates similarly to 'if (A), you might as well (B)'.

Fun-fact

This grammar structure comes from a combination of どう 'how', and the imperative form of する, せよ. In this way, it is just emphasizing that no matter 'how (A) is done', the result cannot be changed.

Examples

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    どうせダイアモンドなんて買(か)ってもらえない。

    I have no doubt I won't be able to get them to buy me diamonds.

    どうせ「ウドの大木(たいぼく)だ」と悪口(わるぐち)を言(い)われるのがオチだ。

    I have no doubt that it will just end with me being called 'big and useless'.

    どうせ通訳(つうやく)はつけてもらえない。自力(じりき)で頑張(がんば)るしかない。

    In any case, I can't have it interpreted. I have no choice but to try my best.

    私(わたし)がどう謝(あやま)っても、どうせ彼(かれ)は許(ゆる)すつもりはないだろう。

    No matter how much I apologize, I have no doubt that he won't forgive me.

    どうせご飯(はん)を炊(た)かないといけないのだから、あなたの分(ぶん)も炊(た)きますよ。

    In any case, since I have to cook rice, I will cook your share too.

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