所詮
Meanings
1
Expresses resignation or the idea that the outcome is inevitable regardless of effort. Often used when acknowledging a disappointing reality.
After all, it was an impossible task for me.
No matter how hard I try, in the end I'm still just an amateur.
2
(not) possibly; (not) at all; (not) by any means
Used with a negative predicate to emphasize impossibility or complete denial. Stronger than a simple negative.
That's simply not possible.
You can't possibly expect him to apologize.
Usage patterns
- 所詮〈物〉にすぎないto be, in the end, nothing more than ~
In the end, his words are nothing more than an excuse.
- 所詮は〈事〉だwhen it comes down to it, it's just ~
After all, it's not my problem.
- 所詮〈動詞〉ことはできないused with a negative to stress that something is simply impossible
After all, humans can never become perfect.