どうしても

どうしても
adverb
no matter what, by all means
descriptive
1. no matter what, by all means
Expresses strong determination or insistence. Used when someone absolutely wants or needs to do something.
どうしても行(い)きたい。
I really want to go no matter what.
どうしても必要(ひつよう)なら、買(か)ってあげる。
If you absolutely need it, I'll buy it for you.
どうしても彼女(かのじょ)に会(あ)いたい。
I really want to see her no matter what.
どうしても今日中(きょうじゅう)に終(お)わらせたい。
I absolutely want to finish it by the end of today.
どうしても参加(さんか)したいなら申(もう)し込(こ)んで。
If you really want to participate, sign up.
2. just cannot, no matter how hard one tries
Used with negative expressions to indicate inability despite effort. Means 'simply cannot' or 'can't help but'.
どうしても思(おも)い出(だ)せない。
I just can't remember, no matter how hard I try.
With negative = simply cannot
どうしても理解(りかい)できない。
I just can't understand it.
どうしても眠(ねむ)れない夜(よる)がある。
There are nights when I just can't sleep.
どうしても許(ゆる)せない。
I just can't forgive them.
彼(かれ)はどうしても認(みと)めようとしない。
He simply won't admit it no matter what.

Usage: どうしても has two main uses depending on whether it appears with affirmative or negative statements:

1. With AFFIRMATIVE statements:

  • どうしても〜たい (really want to ~)
  • どうしても〜する (will ~ no matter what)
  • Expresses strong will or necessity

2. With NEGATIVE statements:

  • どうしても〜ない (just cannot ~)
  • どうしても〜できない (simply cannot ~)
  • Expresses inability despite best efforts

Usage

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 何としても (no matter what (more emphatic))
Related: ぜひ (by all means (requests and invitations))
Related: 絶対 (absolutely, definitely)
Compare: 絶対(ぜったい)に (absolutely)
Compare: 何(なに)が何(なん)でも (no matter what)
Compare: どうあっても (no matter what)
core
Added 2026.1.12 18:53 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
03000/03476_doushitemo