所詮(しょせん)

しょせん
adverb
after all, in the end, ultimately
cognition
1. after all, in the end, ultimately
Used to express a resigned or realistic conclusion, often implying that something cannot exceed its fundamental nature or limitations.
所詮(しょせん)無理(むり)な話(はなし)だ。
It's an impossible idea, when you get down to it.
所詮(しょせん)素人(しろうと)の考(かんが)えだから、プロには通用(つうよう)しない。
It's an amateur's idea after all, so it won't pass muster with professionals.
どんなに頑張(がんば)っても、所詮(しょせん)は一人(ひとり)の力(ちから)には限界(げんかい)がある。
No matter how hard you try, ultimately there are limits to what one person can do.

Usage

Carries a negative or resigned nuance. It implies acceptance that something is limited by its nature. Often pairs with negative conclusions: 無理(むり)だ (impossible), 限界(げんかい)がある (there are limits), 通用(つうよう)しない (won't work).
Unlike 結局(けっきょく) (in the end), which is neutral, 所詮(しょせん) always carries a tone of resignation, dismissal, or realism. It suggests "when you strip away the pretense."

Etymology

Originally a Buddhist term meaning "the final outcome" or "the ultimate conclusion."

Related Words

Compare: 結局(けっきょく) (in the end (neutral))
Compare: たかが (merely)
general
Added 2026.2.11 21:59 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10920_shosen