Meaning & usage
どうせ is an adverb placed before a phrase or clause to express resignation or a dismissive attitude, meaning something happens or is true anyway, so it makes little difference. It appears in both casual speech (どうせやるんなら) and negative, self-deprecating remarks (どうせ私なんて). It stands on its own and does not attach to a particular form.
Example sentences 8
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どうせやるからには上手にやるようにしなさい。
If you do it at all, try to do it well.
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どうせやるんなら、早ければ早いほどいいよ。
If you're planning on doing it anyway, the sooner, the better.
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どうせ私なんてこの世界には必要ないんだ。
This world doesn't need me anyway.
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どうせたいしたことない割引だろう。
I don't think it'll be much of a discount anyhow.
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どうせ言っても分からないじゃん。
Even if I said it, you wouldn't understand it anyway.
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どうせやるなら上手にやれ。
If you do it at all, do it well.
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どうせみんな死ぬんだ。
We're all going to die anyway.
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どうせ勝てっこないよ。
There's no way we'll be able to win.