Translation guide
A dismissive rhetorical question used to express indifference or that something is unimportant. In Japanese, this is rarely translated literally; instead, use set phrases or patterns that convey the same dismissive tone.
To say that something doesn't matter or you are not interested, often in a blunt or casual way.
A very common and direct way to say 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter.' Can sound blunt or dismissive.
そんなこと、どうでもいい。
Who cares about that?
I don't care what he says.
A strong, dismissive phrase meaning 'it's none of my business' or 'like I care.' Often used in a defiant or rough tone.
お前の都合なんて知ったことか。
Who cares about your convenience?
Means 'it has nothing to do with me' or 'it's irrelevant.' Can be used to dismiss something as not your concern.
そんなの私には関係ない。
That has nothing to do with me. (Who cares?)
Literally 'I don't mind,' but can be used in a dismissive way to mean 'I don't care.' More polite than どうでもいい.
どっちでも構わないよ。
I don't care either way. (Who cares?)
To ask rhetorically who would be interested or concerned, often to point out the lack of importance.
A direct translation of 'who cares?' but used less frequently than idiomatic phrases. It can sound like a genuine question if intonation is not dismissive.
Without proper dismissive tone, this can be interpreted as a real question.
そんな小さなミス、誰が気にする？
Who cares about such a small mistake?
A more emphatic and literary way to say 'who cares?' using the rhetorical ものか pattern.
そんな古い習慣、誰が構うものか。
Who cares about such an old custom?
To change the subject or indicate that something is not worth discussing.
A common way to say 'that doesn't matter' or 'forget about that.'
そんなことはどうでもいいから、本題に入ろう。
Who cares about that? Let's get to the main topic.
Means 'leave it alone' or 'forget it,' often used to dismiss a matter.
あいつの言うことなんて放っておけ。
Who cares what he says? Just ignore it.
The literal translation '誰が気にする？' can sound unnatural or like a genuine question. Use idiomatic phrases like どうでもいい for a natural dismissive tone.
どうでもいい is a general 'I don't care' and can be used in many situations. 知ったことか is much stronger and confrontational, implying 'it's none of my business and I don't give a damn.'