also: どうでもよい
どうでもいい · i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | どうでもいい | どうでもよくない |
| Polite | どうでもいいです | どうでもよくないですalso どうでもよくありません |
| Past polite | どうでもよかったです | どうでもよくなかったですalso どうでもよくありませんでした |
| Past | どうでもよかった | どうでもよくなかった |
| Te-form | どうでもよくて | どうでもよくなくて |
| Adverbial | どうでもよく | |
| Conditional | どうでもよければ | どうでもよくなければ |
| Tara conditional | どうでもよかったら | どうでもよくなかったら |
expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
inconsequential; trivial; not worth worrying about
Describes something that doesn't matter, is of no importance, or is not worth concern. Often used in the phrase どうでもいいこと (a trivial matter).
whatever; I don't care; either is fine
Expresses indifference or lack of preference; often used as a standalone response meaning 'I don't care' or 'whatever'. Can sound dismissive depending on tone.
That doesn't matter at all.
He only talks about trivial things.
"Which one do you want?" "I don't care."
She had an indifferent look on her face.
つまらない describes something boring or petty, whereas どうでもいい specifically means the thing doesn't matter or isn't worth caring about.
重要 means 'important, significant', the opposite of どうでもいい, which marks something as inconsequential.
Kanji spelling; can also be read どうでもよい, though どうでもいい is more common.
Alternate reading of the kanji form; slightly more formal than どうでもいい.
From どう (how) + でも (even if) + いい (good). Literally 'even if how, it's good', meaning 'any way is fine' → 'it doesn't matter'.