どうも
Meanings
Casual, abbreviated thanks. Often used alone or in the phrase どうもありがとう. The standalone どうも is less formal than full expressions.
See also: どうもありがとう
"Here you go." "Thanks."
Intensifier used in apologies and expressions of gratitude, e.g., どうもすみません, どうもありがとう. Conveys a sense of 'truly' or 'indeed'.
I'm really sorry for being late.
Expresses a vague sense of 'somehow' or 'kind of', often when the speaker has an impression but cannot pinpoint the reason. Frequently used with ようだ, そうだ, らしい, or negative forms.
I just don't feel quite right today.
It really looks like rain.
Used when the speaker cannot clearly explain a situation or feeling; 'for some reason' or 'in some way'. Often paired with ～ない or ～ようだ.
Somehow I can't explain it well.
no matter how hard one tries; try as one might
Used in the pattern どうも～ない to mean 'no matter how much one tries, it doesn't happen'. Similar to どうしても～ない but slightly less emphatic.
See also: どうしても
Try as I might, I can't remember his name.
Casual, multipurpose greeting used when meeting or parting. Can also be a vague acknowledgment. Less formal than こんにちは or さようなら.
Hey, hello.
Well then, goodbye.
Usage patterns
- どうも〈事〉ようだit somehow seems that ~ (vague impression, not based on clear evidence)
I seem to have caught a cold, somehow.
- どうも〈物〉が気になるfor some reason, ~ keeps bothering me
For some reason, that thing he said earlier is bothering me.
- どうも〈動詞〉ないno matter how hard one tries, ~ just doesn't happen
No matter how hard I try, I just can't remember it.
Expressions
- どうもありがとうthank you very much
- どうもありがとうございますthank you very much