Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 맙소사 | mapsosa | [ˈma̠(ː)ps͈o̞sʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 세상에 | sesang'e | [ˈsʰe̞(ː)sʰa̠ŋe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 애구 | aegu |
These expressions are used to convey excitement or shock. You may also encounter the English loanword 오마이갓, which is commonly used among the younger generation in South Korea to convey surprise or disbelief. For internet slang, the word 헐 is used to express surprise, shock or disbelief.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 세상에 literally means "in the world".
Which one should you use?
세상에 is a more common, versatile exclamation of surprise or shock compared to 맙소사 and can be used to express both positive excitement and negative shock. In contrast, 맙소사 often carries a slightly more dramatic or heavy tone of dismay or misfortune than 세상에.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
애구 is a very common, colloquial exclamation used to express fatigue, pain or mild shock, often used by older speakers. 헐 is a Korean internet slang word.
How do you pronounce it?
mapsosa
Did you know?
- The expression 맙소사 is actually a modern corruption of 마옵소서, which is a highly formal and archaic way of saying 'please do not' or 'forbid'.
- While English speakers use 'God' in many exclamations, using the word 'God' (하느님, haneunim) directly in a sudden outburst can sometimes feel overly heavy or strangely intense in Korean social contexts.
- The exclamation 애구 is frequently used by elderly Koreans while performing the cultural habit of sighing or leaning forward when feeling physical fatigue.
Examples in context
- 세상에! 뭐 하는 거야?Oh my God! What are you doing?This sentence shows how to use 세상에 to express shock.Tatoeba #13755053 by qlTmalffk, translation #1386753 by marcelostockle
- 맙소사, 이제 어떡해?Oh my God, what'll we do?This sentence shows how to use 맙소사 to express dismay.Tatoeba #8363255 by Eunhee, translation #7912902 by shekitten
- 세상에!Oh my God!This sentence shows the use of 세상에 as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #13170761 by atitarev, translation #3756562 by Lindoula
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyun-woo see a massive spider in the living room.
- 지은 Ji-eun맙소사, 저기 좀 봐!mapsosa, jeogi jom bwa!Oh my god, look over there!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 크다, 지은아.jeongmal keuda, Ji-eun-a.It is really big, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun너무 무서워!neomu museowo!I'm so scared!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내가 저걸 잡을게.naega jeogeol jabeulge.I will catch it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh my God” translations and entries 맙소사, 세상에, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 맙소사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
