JLPT N5 Vocabulary – How to use “どうも”

Table of Contents

1. Does “どうも” have many meanings?
2. Six ways to “どうも”
3. Summary
4. Similar Article
5. Comment

Q: It seems like Japanese people use “どうも” a lot, but I don’t really understand its meaning.

A: Indeed, Japanese people use “どうも” in various situations. There are broadly four ways to use it, so let’s look at each one.

Six ways to use “どうも”

① Emphasis
When used with words expressing gratitude or apology, it emphasizes those feelings.

[Examples]
どうもありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.

どうもすみませんでした。
I’m very sorry.

⇒ In this case, “どうも” functions as an adverb to emphasize the words that follow.

* However, in business settings, using “どうも” with words of apology may sound less polite, so it’s recommended to use “誠まことに申し訳もう　わけございません” instead.

② Greeting
“どうも” is often used for casual greetings.

[Examples]
どうも (こんにちは）。
Hello.

先日せんじつはどうも (ありがとうございました)。
Thank you for the other day.

*Normally, other words would follow “どうも,” but it can be understood even when used alone as a brief greeting.
Be careful when using this casual expression with superiors as it can be considered rude.

③ Estimation
“どうも” is used when the speaker is making an estimation.
In this case, it is used when there is some basis for the estimation, and it is typically followed by expressions like “〜ようだ”, “〜みたいだ”, “〜らしい.”

[Examples]
どうも山田やまださんは今日きょうの会議かいぎを忘わすれているようです。
It seems like Mr. Yamada has forgotten about today’s meeting.
⇒ The speaker is guessing that it seems that Mr. Yamada has somehow forgotten about the meeting.

息子むすこはどうも嘘うそをついているみたいです。
It seems like my son is lying.
⇒ I don’t have proof that he is lying, but that’s what I suspect。

④Confusion
Used to express feelings of surprise or perplexity.

[例れい]
あの人ひとはどうも困こまった人ひとです。
That person is troublesome.
⇒ The speaker is confused and doesn’t know what to do.

どうもインターネットの調子ちょうしが悪わるいみたいです。
It seems like the internet is acting up.
⇒ The surprise and confusion about the poor performance of the internet is evident.

⑤ Dissatisfaction
Used with negative forms to express feelings of dissatisfaction or frustration when things are not going well or are not satisfactory.

[Exapmles]
どうもうまくいかないなぁ。
Things just aren’t going well.
⇒ The speaker is dissatisfied and insists that things are ‘not going well’ no matter what.

どうもこの結果けっかには納得なっとくできません。
I really can’t accept these results.
⇒ The word “どうも” emphasizes the dissatisfaction of ‘not being convinced’.

⑥ Ambiguity
Used to express that the cause or reason for one’s feelings or perceptions about something is unclear. This expression indicates that the speaker is uncertain about their situation or feelings, or when a reason or basis cannot be found, highlighting the ambiguity and confusion involved.

[Examples]
どうも昨日きのうから調子ちょうしが悪わるいです。
I’ve been feeling off since yesterday. (But I don’t know why)
⇒ The speaker doesn’t know why he/she is feeling unwell.

朝あさから犬いぬの様子ようすがどうもおかしいです。
The dog has been acting strange since this morning. (But I don’t know why)
⇒ The speaker doesn’t know why the dog is acting strange.

Summary

• Emphasis: Used with words of gratitude or apology to express emphasis.
• Greeting: Used for casual greetings.
• Estimation: Used when the speaker is making an assumption or guess about something.
• Confusion: Expresses the speaker’s slight surprise or perplexity.
• Dissatisfaction: Used when the speaker is not satisfied with something, expressing feelings of dissatisfaction.
• Ambiguity: Used when the speaker, even after thinking, cannot find a reason or cause, or when stating outcomes without knowing the cause or reason.

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