どうせ
Anyhow, At any rate, In any case, I have no doubt that, Probably
Structure
Explanation
どうせ is a Japanese adverb that indicates an outcome (B) is certain to happen regardless of a particular situation (A). It implies that the result is unavoidable and a foregone conclusion. In English, this idea can be expressed with phrases like 'anyway', 'no matter what', or 'in the end'.
As it is an adverb, どうせ is typically placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence to set a tone of inevitability for what follows.
- どうせ今日も遅刻するんでしょ。You're going to be late again today anyway, aren't you?
- どうせこのテストも合格しないんでしょ。No matter what, I'm not going to pass this test either, am I?
どうせ frequently carries a feeling of resignation, pessimism, or making the best of a bad situation. It is often used with grammar like なら or だから to express that since (A) is unavoidable, one might as well do (B). This is similar to the English expression 'if... then you might as well...'.
- どうせ外食するなら、おいしいレストランに行こうよ。If we're going to eat out anyway, we might as well go to a nice restaurant.
- どうせ午後から雨が降るんだから、今洗車しても意味ないよ。It's going to rain this afternoon anyway, so there's no point in washing the car now.
Fun-fact
The origin of this grammar point is a blend of どう ('how') and せ, the classical imperative form of the verb する. This combination reinforces the meaning that 'no matter how one does something', the outcome will remain the same.
Examples
どうせ勉強したって、テストは赤点だよ。
Even if I study, I have no doubt I'll still fail the test.
どうせこの宝くじなんて当たらないよ。
I'm not going to win this lottery anyway.
どうせ会議は長引くんだから、先にコーヒーでも買っておこう。
The meeting is going to drag on anyway, so let's grab some coffee beforehand.
文句を言ったところで、どうせ何も変わらないだろう。
Even if I complain, I have no doubt that nothing will change.
どうせ外出するなら、ついでに郵便局に寄ってきてくれない？
Since you're going out anyway, could you stop by the post office while you're at it?
どうせすぐに汚れるから、掃除しても意味がない。
There's no point in cleaning. I have no doubt it'll just get dirty again soon.
どうせ待たなきゃいけないんだから、本でも読んでいよう。
In any case, since I have to wait, I might as well read a book.
彼の話なんて聞くだけ無駄だよ。どうせまた言い訳ばかりなんだから。
It's a waste of time to listen to him. I have no doubt it will just be more excuses again.
どうせ作るなら、美味しくて健康的なものを食べたい。
If I'm going to make something anyway, I want it to be delicious and healthy.
そんなお世辞はいいよ。どうせ後で何かお願いするつもりなんでしょ。
Cut the flattery. I have no doubt you're just planning to ask for a favor later, right?
どうせ沖縄へ行くのなら、きれいな海で泳ぎたいね。
If we're going to Okinawa anyway, I'd really love to swim in the beautiful ocean.
どうせ「まだ若いから」と言って、意見を聞いてもらえないだろう。
They won't listen to my opinion. No doubt they'll just say something like, 'You're still young'.