どうでもいい

• Reading: どうでもいい
• Romaji: dō demo ii
• Pronunciation: /doː.de.mo.iː/

Meaning

Don't care, whatever, it doesn't matter — expressing indifference or dismissiveness about something.

どうでもいい is built from standard Japanese grammar: どう (how) + でも (even) + いい (good), literally meaning 'however is fine.' While grammatically standard, it carries a strong tone of indifference or dismissiveness in practice. It can range from genuinely not minding ('either is fine') to pointedly not caring ('I couldn't care less'). Tone of voice is everything.

Examples

1. 正直、どうでもいいけど一応聞いてあげる。 Honestly, I couldn't care less, but I'll hear you out anyway.
2. あの人に何言われてもどうでもいいわ。 I don't care what that person says about me, whatever.
3. ランチどこにする？——どうでもいいよ、任せる。 Where should we go for lunch? — I don't care, you pick.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, friends, arguments

Tone: dismissive, indifferent

Do Say

• そんな細かいこと、どうでもいいよ。 (Such minor details don't matter.)
• どうでもいいけど、あの二人また喧嘩してたよ。 (Not that I care, but those two were fighting again.)

Don't Say

• 真剣に相談している相手に「どうでもいい」は失礼 (Saying 'dō demo ii' to someone seriously asking for advice is rude — it dismisses their concerns)

Common Mistakes

• Not realising how dismissive it sounds — even if you genuinely don't mind, the phrase can come across as cold or uncaring
• Using it when you actually do have a preference — Japanese listeners may take it literally and choose for you

Origin & History

Standard Japanese grammar construction: どう (how) + でも (even) + いい (good), literally 'however is fine.' Used across all casual registers to express indifference.

Cultural Context

Era: Long-standing expression, all eras

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal casual speech

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. The phrase often appears in anime and drama as a character trait marker for aloof or tsundere personalities. In real life, tone and context determine whether it sounds relaxed or rude.