Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Anyway" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "anyway", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
何しろ
なにしろ (nanishiro)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
どうせ
どうせ (douse)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "anyway" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 何しろ and どうせ.
In Japanese, 何しろ (なにしろ (nanishiro)) is typically associated with "anyway, in any case, at any rate; after all; because, as you know" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 理由を強調したり、状況を要約したりする際に使われます。「何と言っても」「とにかく」に近い意味。Used to emphasize a reason or summarize a situation. Similar to "after all" or "anyway.".
On the other hand, どうせ (どうせ (douse)) maps to "anyway, in any case" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "anyway" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "何しろ"
明日は試験だから、何しろ早く寝なさい。
Tomorrow is the exam, so anyway, go to bed early.
Bilingual Context for "どうせ"
私はどうせに興味があります。
I am interested in anyway, in any case.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日は試験だから、 ＿＿＿ 早く寝なさい。" (Meaning: "Tomorrow is the exam, so anyway, go to bed early.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "何しろ" fits here because it means "anyway, in any case, at any rate; after all; because, as you know" in the context of: "Tomorrow is the exam, so anyway, go to bed early.". "どうせ" represents "anyway, in any case".