どうも (doumo)

Meaning & usage

どうも is an adverb that adds a vague, hard-to-pin-down feeling, often before a negative or uncertain statement like しっくり来ない or 見当違い. It also softens refusals (どうも～かねます) and appears in the set phrase どうもありがとう to strengthen thanks. It precedes the rest of the sentence freely.

Example sentences 8

1. このジャケットはこのスカートにどうもしっくり来こない。

   This jacket somehow doesn't go with this skirt.

2. 彼を信頼できる男だと考えたのはどうも見当違いだった。

   I erred in thinking him trustworthy.

3. 昼食会のお約束ですが、どうも私の都合がつきかねます。

   I'm afraid I won't be able to make it for our luncheon appointment.

4. 私の宿題を手伝ってくれて、ご親切にどうもありがとう。

   It's very kind of you to help me with my homework.

5. しらない人のなかにいると、私はどうもくつろげない。

   I can never feel at ease among strangers.

6. 遠路はるばるお見送り下さってどうもありがとう。

   Thank you very much for coming so far to see me off.

7. どうも私の説明はちっともうまくなかったようだ。

   I'm afraid I didn't explain it too well.

8. 病気の時見舞いに来てくれてどうもありがとう。

   It was very kind of you to visit me when I was ill.