どうも

JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

thanks; thank you (informal/brief expression of gratitude).

InterjectionAbbreviation

Examples

どうも、手伝ってくれて助かったよ。

Thanks — you really helped me out.

荷物を受け取って『どうも』と言った。

I received the package and said, 'Thanks.'

別れ際に『どうも』とだけ言って立ち去った。

At parting, he just said 'thanks' and left.

2

an intensifier used with apologies or thanks (e.g., 'I'm very sorry', 'thank you very much').

Adverb

Examples

遅れてしまい、どうも申し訳ありませんでした。

I'm very sorry for being late.

プレゼントを渡して『どうもありがとう』と言った。

I gave the present and said, 'Thank you very much.'

3

quite; really; very (used to emphasize degree).

Adverb

Examples

彼はどうも頭がいいらしい。

He seems to be quite smart.

その料理はどうも評判がいい。

That dish is reportedly very good.

4

somehow; for some reason (used when the reason is unclear but something is felt or observed).

Adverb

Examples

今日はどうも調子が出ない。

For some reason I can't get into the swing of things today.

彼の話はどうも信用できない。

Somehow I can't trust his story.

5

no matter how; try as one might (used to indicate that efforts do not change the outcome).

Adverb

Examples

説明してもどうも納得してくれない。

No matter how I explain, they won't accept it.

どうも会議の日程が合わなくて参加できないようだ。

It seems that, try as we might, the meeting date doesn't work and we can't attend.

6

hello / goodbye (a casual greeting or farewell).

Interjection

Examples

店員に入ったときに『どうも』と言った。

I said 'hello' when I went into the shop.

帰るときに同僚に『どうも、お先に』と言って出た。

When leaving, I said to my colleague, 'Thanks, I'm off,' and left.