맙소사
mapsosa[ˈma̠(ː)ps͈o̞sʰa̠]
The English phrase 'oh God' can be translated into Korean as 맙소사 (mapsosa).
맙소사 is used to express disbelief, frustration or shock at a sudden realization or event. Other informal expressions can be used depending on the specific emotion: 왜 can mean 'Why on earth' or 'Seriously' to express disbelief or frustration, while 와 functions like 'Wow' or 'Oh my' to express surprise, astonishment or even admiration.
How do you pronounce it?
mapsosa
Did you know?
- The expression 맙소사 actually contains a hidden, desperate plea. It is a shortened version of the older phrase 하느님 마옵소서, which literally translates to 'God, please let it not be so'.
- The component '마옵소서' in the original phrase is a very polite, humble way of requesting something in archaic Korean. This makes the modern, shortened 맙소사 a fascinating example of how polite language shrinks into casual slang.
- If you want to express the same shock as 맙소사 but in a more modern, trendy way, you might use 헐 instead. While 맙소사 sounds slightly more dramatic or old-fashioned, 헐 is the ubiquitous slang for 'oh my'.
Examples in context
- 맙소사, 다 깨졌어요.mapsosa, da kkaejeosseoyo.Oh god, it's all broken.
- 맙소사, 벌써 시간이 이렇게 됐나?mapsosa, beolsseo sigani ireoke dwaenna?Oh god, is it this time already?
- 맙소사, 정말 말도 안 돼요.mapsosa, jeongmal maldo an dwaeyo.Oh god, that really doesn't make sense.
Example conversation
Do-hyeon and Min-ji are looking at a ruined birthday cake.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맙소사, 케이크가 다 망가졌어.mapsosa, keikeuga da manggajyeosseo.Oh god, the cake is ruined.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 괜찮아요? 너무 속상해 보여요.Dohyeon-ssi, gwaenchannayo? neomu soksanghae boyeoyo.Do-hyeon, are you okay? You look so upset.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 큰일이야, 민지 씨.jeongmal keuniriya, Minji-ssi.It is a real disaster, Min-ji.
- 민지 Min-ji다시 만들면 되니까 걱정 마요.dasi mandeulmyeon doenikka geokjeong mayo.Don't worry, we can just make it again.
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.
