どうにか
Somehow (or other)
Structure
Explanation
The adverb どうにか is used to express that something was accomplished 'somehow', often despite difficulties or the expectation of failure. It highlights that a desired result was reached, even if the method wasn't clear or easy.
どうにか is frequently translated as 'somehow or other' or 'one way or the other'.
- 試験はとても難しかったですが、どうにか合格できました。The exam was incredibly difficult, but I somehow managed to pass.
- どうにか明日までにこのレポートを終わらせなければなりません。I have to get this report finished by tomorrow one way or another.
In certain situations, どうにか can also mean 'barely' or 'just', suggesting that a result was achieved by the narrowest of margins through considerable effort. While the outcome might not be perfect, it was successfully managed in some capacity.
- 暗くて、バスの番号がどうにか読めるくらいだった。It was so dark I could barely read the bus number.
This adverb is commonly combined with する (transitive) and なる (intransitive). The phrase どうにかなる suggests that 'things will work out somehow on their own', implying a positive outcome will occur without direct action. In contrast, どうにかする means 'to manage something somehow', indicating that the speaker will take action to resolve a situation, even if the exact steps are not yet clear.
- そんなに心配しないで。きっとどうにかなるから。Don't worry so much. I'm sure it'll all work out.
- 財布を忘れたのか。大丈夫だ、僕がどうにかするから気にしないで。You forgot your wallet? Don't worry, I'll figure something out.
Examples
どうにかこの試験に合格したいんです。
I really want to somehow pass this exam.
失くした財布をどうにか見つけ出さないと。
I've got to somehow find my lost wallet.
このパソコン、どうにか自分で直せないかな。
I wonder if I can somehow fix this computer myself.
遅れそうだけど、どうにか会議に間に合わせたい。
It looks like I'm going to be late, but I want to somehow make it to the meeting on time.
どうにかして両親を説得してみせる。
I'll show them I can somehow persuade my parents.
給料日まで、どうにかこのお金でやりくりしないと。
I have to somehow make do with this money until payday.
人気のコンサートのチケットをどうにか手に入れたいんだけどなあ。
I'd really love to somehow get my hands on a ticket for that popular concert...
どうにかしてここから脱出しなければ、命が危ない。
We have to somehow escape from here, or our lives will be in danger.
泣き止まない赤ちゃんをどうにかあやす方法はないものでしょうか。
Isn't there any way to somehow soothe this baby that won't stop crying?
彼と喧嘩しちゃった。明日までにどうにか仲直りできないかな。
I had a fight with my boyfriend. I wonder if we can somehow make up by tomorrow.
経営は苦しかったが、どうにか倒産を免れた。
The business was struggling, but we somehow managed to avoid bankruptcy.
この本は難しいけど、どうにか最後まで読み切りたい。
This book is difficult, but I want to somehow manage to finish it.
どうにか締め切りを延ばしていただけないでしょうか。
Would it be at all possible to somehow extend the deadline?
仕事は大変ですが、どうにかやっています。
Work is tough, but I'm somehow getting by.
電波が届かない場所にいる彼に、どうにか連絡を取る術はないだろうか。
Is there any way at all to somehow get in touch with him while he's in a place with no reception?