どうせ
Meanings
1
anyway; in any case; after all
Expresses resignation, inevitability, or scorn: the outcome is already decided or doesn't matter. Often carries a negative or dismissive tone.
It's no use for me anyway.
If we're doing it anyway, let's finish it quickly.
2
since it doesn't matter; you might as well
Used before a conditional or with ～だから to mean 'since the outcome is the same regardless'. Suggests a resigned or pragmatic decision.
If we're going anyway, the earlier the better.
Since I'm free anyway, I'll help you.
Usage patterns
- どうせ〜んだからsince it's going to happen anyway (resigned reasoning)
I'm going to get scolded anyway, so I might as well be honest.
- どうせ〈事〉ならsince it's the same either way, might as well (do something better)
Since we're going anyway, we might as well leave early.
- どうせ〈事〉だろうit's probably going to turn out that way anyway (resigned prediction)
I figured it would end in failure anyway.
- どうせ無理it's hopeless anyway (dismissive)
Even if I study now, it's hopeless anyway.