Meaning and Usage
"どうしても" is an adverb used to express a strong determination or inevitability, often translated as "no matter what," "at any cost," or "by all means." It emphasizes that something must happen or be done regardless of obstacles or difficulties.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used when expressing a strong desire, necessity, or impossibility to avoid a situation. For example, "どうしても行きたい" means "I really want to go no matter what." It can also express impossibility, as in "どうしてもできない" (I absolutely cannot do it).
Collocations and Patterns
- どうしても + verb (e.g., どうしても行く): expressing determination to do something.
- どうしても + negative verb (e.g., どうしてもわからない): expressing inability despite trying.
- どうしても + なら (e.g., どうしても必要なら): conditional emphasizing necessity.
Register and Nuance
"どうしても" is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys strong emotion or insistence but is polite enough for everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "どうしても" with "なぜ" or "どうして," which ask "why." Remember, "どうしても" does not ask a question but expresses determination or inevitability.