どうして
also: どーして
Meanings
how; in what way; by what means
Asks about the method, means, or manner of doing something. For this meaning, どうやって is often a clearer everyday equivalent.
See also: どうやって
How do you write this kanji?
How should I get to the airport?
why; for what reason; what for
Asks for a reason or purpose. It can sound more emotional or direct than なぜ depending on tone and context.
Why didn't you come yesterday?
Why are you in such a hurry?
cannot possibly
Emphatic rhetorical use, often in patterns like どうして〜できようか or どうして〜ものか, meaning that something is impossible or unthinkable.
How could I possibly pay such a huge sum?
Interjectional use, often repeated as どうして、どうして. It rejects an assumption or expresses strong denial; it is less central for learners than the ordinary question uses.
"Are you finished already?" "No way. I'm not even halfway done yet."
Usage patterns
- どうしていいか〈動詞〉not to know what to do
When she suddenly started crying, I didn't know what to do.
- どうして〈事〉のですかasking politely for the reason behind something
Why were you late?
- どうして〈事〉ものかrhetorically denying that something could happen
How could I possibly get such an easy question wrong?
- どうして、どうしてused to flatly deny an assumption someone just made
"You must be tired by now, right?" "Not at all, I'm still full of energy."
Expressions
- どうしてもby all means; at any cost; no matter what · whether one wants to or not; willy-nilly; willingly or unwillingly · by no means; not possibly; on no account · in the end; after all; eventually