세상에
sesang'e[ˈsʰe̞(ː)sʰa̠ŋe̞]
The English phrase "my goodness" can be translated into Korean as 세상에 (sesang'e).
세상에 is used as an exclamation to express shock, disbelief or surprise, similar to the English "my goodness" or "oh my god".
Meaning: used to express surprise, shock, or amazement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 세상 (world) and 에 (in/at), literally meaning 'in the world'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can also use the words 와 or 야 to express "my goodness".
How do you pronounce it?
sesang'e
Did you know?
- The word 세상 (world) in this phrase refers not just to the physical earth, but to the 'social order' or 'the way things are supposed to work'.
- The word 세상 (world) in this phrase is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters, which is why it feels more weightier than pure Korean words.
- In dramatic Korean television dramas, actors often elongate the final vowel of 세상에 to emphasize a shocking plot twist, making the phrase a recognizable trope of the genre.
Examples in context
- 와, 이거 봐! 정말 대박이다!My goodness, look at this! It's really amazing!
- 세상에, 정말 놀라워요!Sesange, jeongmal nollawoyo!My goodness, it's truly amazing!
- 세상에, 이게 다 뭐예요?Sesange, ige da mwoyeyo?My goodness, what is all this?
- 세상에, 깜짝 놀랐어요.Sesange, kkamjjak nollasseoyo.My goodness, you startled me.
Example conversation
Subin shows Dohyun a surprising news article on her phone.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 이 뉴스 좀 보세요.Dohyeon ssi, i nyuseu jom boseyo.Dohyun, please look at this news.
- 도현 Do-hyeon세상에, 정말 말도 안 돼요!sesang-e, jeongmal maldo an dwaeyo!My goodness, this is unbelievable!
- 수빈 Su-bin그러니까요. 정말 놀랍죠?geureonikkayo. jeongmal nollapjyo?I know. Isn't it surprising?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 정말 믿기지 않아요.ne, jeongmal mitgiji anayo.Yes, I really can't believe it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 세상에, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
