맙소사
mapsosa[ˈma̠(ː)ps͈o̞sʰa̠]
The English phrase 'gosh' can be translated into Korean as 맙소사 (mapsosa).
맙소사 is a fixed exclamation used to express shock, dismay or disbelief. It can function as a way to express negative surprise, similar to saying 'oh no!' or to indicate an intense realization. Other Korean interjections can convey similar feelings: 아이구 (Aigoo) is a versatile expression for surprise, disappointment or sympathy.
Meaning: mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
맙소사 is a fixed exclamation that translates literally to 'oh my god' or 'oh my goodness'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
맙소사 is commonly used in informal or semi-formal settings. It is not considered a polite term to use when addressing elders or superiors in a formal context.
How do you pronounce it?
mapsosa
Did you know?
- The exclamation 맙소사 actually contains a hidden prayer. It is a shortened, corrupted version of the formal phrase 하느님 마옵소서, which literally means 'God, please do not let this happen'.
- Unlike English 'gosh', which is a minced oath to avoid saying 'God', 맙소사 retains a direct historical link to a plea for divine intervention.
- If you use 맙소사 in a very formal business setting, you might sound slightly theatrical. Because of its dramatic origins, it can feel more like a line from a novel than natural conversation.
Examples in context
- 맙소사, 이게 다 뭐야?mapsosa, ige da mwoya?Gosh, what is all this?
- 맙소사, 정말 놀라워요.mapsosa, jeongmal nollawoyo.Gosh, it is truly amazing.
- 맙소사, 벌써 시간이 이렇게 됐나!mapsosa, beolsseo sigani ireoke dwaenna!Gosh, is it this time already!
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are looking at a huge, unexpected gift.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맙소사, 선물 정말 크다!mapsosa, seonmul jeongmal keuda!Gosh, the gift is so big!
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 마음에 들어요?Hyunwoo-ssi, maeume deureoyo?Hyunwoo, do you like it?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 정말 최고예요!ne, jeongmal choigoyeyo!Yes, it is the best!
- 민지 Min-ji다행이네요, 기뻐하니 저도 좋아요.dahaengineyo, gippeohani jeodo joayo.I'm glad, I'm happy that you are happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 맙소사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 맙소사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
