どうせ

どうせ
adverb
anyway; after all; no matter what
1. anyway; after all; in any case
Indicates that something will happen or be true regardless of circumstances, often with a resigned or fatalistic tone.
どうせ無理(むり)だと(おも)った。
I thought it was impossible anyway.
どうせ()くなら(はや)()こう。
If we're going anyway, let's go early.
2. no matter what; regardless; either way
Suggests that the outcome will be the same regardless of action taken, sometimes with negative nuance.
どうせ(だれ)()ないよ。
No one's going to come anyway.

NUANCE: Often carries a resigned, negative, or fatalistic tone. Can imply "it doesn't matter because the outcome is predetermined."

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • どうせ〜だから: since it's ~ anyway
  • どうせ〜なら: if ~ anyway (then might as well)
  • どうせ無理(むり)だ: it's impossible anyway

SIMILAR:

  • どのみち: anyway, either way (more neutral)
  • いずれにせよ: in any case (more formal)
  • ともかく: anyway, at any rate

Related Words