Translation guide
Expressing that you do not care at all about something, from strong indifference to outright contempt. Japanese offers many options depending on formality, gender, and intensity.
To say that something is of no importance to you, often with a dismissive tone.
The most common and versatile way to say 'I don't care' or 'It doesn't matter.' Can be used in many situations, from casual to somewhat formal, but can sound blunt.
そんなこと、どうでもいい。
I don't give a damn about that.
I don't care what he says.
A very strong, confrontational way to say 'I don't give a damn' or 'What do I care?' Often used by men in rough speech.
お前の都合なんて知ったことか。
I don't give a damn about your convenience.
Literally 'I don't mind,' but can be used to express indifference. More polite than どうでもいい, but can still convey a lack of concern.
どちらでも構わない。
I don't care either way.
To express extreme contempt or anger, often using strong language.
Literally 'eat shit.' A vulgar, aggressive way to say 'I don't give a damn' or 'Go to hell.' Very strong and offensive.
お前の意見なんてくそくらえだ。
I don't give a damn about your opinion.
A blunt, rude way to say 'I don't know and I don't care.' Often used by men in casual, rough speech.
あいつのことなんて知るか。
I don't give a damn about him.
To express a lack of interest in a trendy, casual way, often among younger people.
Short for 別にいい (it's fine either way), but often used alone to mean 'I don't really care' or 'Whatever.' Can sound dismissive.
A: 映画見に行かない？ B: 別に。
A: Wanna go see a movie? B: I don't really care.
A very casual, slangy way of saying 'I don't give a damn,' often used by young men. The ね adds a rhetorical question feel.
そんなのどうでもよくね？
Who gives a damn about that?
To express lack of concern in a polite or business setting without being rude.
A polite way to say 'Either is fine' or 'I don't mind.' Often used in customer service or formal situations.
お時間はどちらでも結構です。
Any time is fine with me.
Literally 'I leave it to you.' Implies you don't care about the decision and trust the other person. Polite and indirect.
店はどこでもいいです。お任せします。
Any restaurant is fine. I'll leave it up to you.
English 'I don't give a damn' is often stronger than Japanese equivalents. Using どうでもいい in a formal setting can be rude. Consider the relationship and context before choosing a phrase.
どうでもいいです。
I don't care. (can sound dismissive)
From mild to strong: 構わない (I don't mind) → どうでもいい (I don't care) → 知ったことか (What do I care?) → くそくらえ (Go to hell). Choose based on how much emotion you want to convey.