어쩔 수 없어

What does 어쩔 수 없어 mean?

어쩔 수 없어 means "There’s nothing we can do." in Korean.

How it works here

어쩔 수 없어 is the casual form of 어쩔 수 없다, meaning that no other solution is available.

When it's used

Used to explain that there is no alternative despite an undesirable situation.

The line

근데 형 서운해도 어쩔 수 없어

But, hyung, even if you’re hurt, it can’t be helped.

A speaker explains that there is no alternative despite understanding the other person’s disappointment.

Scene from “Run BTS! 2023 Special Episode - Next Top Genius Part 2” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube

More examples

1. 비가 너무 많이 와서 오늘은 그냥 집에 있어야 해. 어쩔 수 없어.

   It’s raining too hard, so I have to stay home today. It can’t be helped.

2. 이미 출발한 뒤라서 지금은 기다릴 수밖에 없습니다. 어쩔 수 없습니다.

   We had already left, so now we have no choice but to wait. It can’t be helped.

Quick check

When would you use this expression?

어쩔 수 없어

근데 형 서운해도 어쩔 수 없어

But, hyung, even if you’re hurt, it can’t be helped.

• Saying that if you wait a little longer, it will be solved soon
• Saying that there is no choice because there is no other way
• Saying that you should just let it pass and talk again later

Other words in this line

근데

But; however

형

Older brother; older male friend

서운하다

To feel hurt or disappointed

없다

To not exist; to not have