How to say "It is what it is" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "It is what it is" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
어쩔 수 없지
eojjeol su eopji
Literally: There's nothing that can be done about it.
When to use it
When something went wrong, you can't fix it, and you've decided to just accept it. Koreans use this a lot — it's the sound of shrugging.
Polite form
- 어쩔 수 없죠eojjeol su eopjyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 뭐 어쩌겠어mwo eojjeogesseo= What can you doSame casual level, but more resigned — a little sigh in it.
- 할 수 없지hal su eopji= Can't be helpedAlmost identical. Both are used interchangeably.
In a sentence
- 늘 같은 맛이야. 어쩔 수 없지.neul gateun masiya. eojjeol su eopji.It always tastes the same. It is what it is.
- 비 오네. 어쩔 수 없지, 뭐.bi one. eojjeol su eopji, mwo.It's raining. Well, it is what it is.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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