맙소사
mapsosa[ˈma̠(ː)ps͈o̞sʰa̠]
The English phrase "omg" can be translated into Korean as 맙소사 (mapsosa).
맙소사 is often used when something negative or unexpected happens, similar to 'oh my goodness' or 'good grief' in English. Other ways to express astonishment or surprise include the colloquial 완전 신기해! (meaning "That's totally amazing!"), the informal 와! (meaning "Wow!") or the expression of disbelief 진짜요? (meaning "Is it true?" or "Seriously?").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 맙소사 is a standard exclamation, the slang term 헐 is much more common among younger people to express surprise or disbelief in casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
mapsosa
Did you know?
- The exclamation 맙소사 is actually a shortened, slightly distorted version of a desperate prayer, 'God, please do not let this happen'.
- Korean has various levels of 'surprised' expressions that change based on the social hierarchy, meaning you would use different words for a boss than for a friend.
- If you are truly shocked by something amazing rather than bad, using 맙소사 might actually confuse people, as it carries a heavy tone of misfortune.
Examples in context
- 완전 신기해!That's totally amazing!
- 진짜요?Seriously? Is it true?
- 맙소사, 벌써 시간이 이렇게 됐나?mapsosa, beolsseo sigani ireoke dwaenna?Omg, is it this time already?
- 맙소사, 지갑을 집에 두고 왔어!mapsosa, jigabeul jibe dugo wasseo!Omg, I left my wallet at home!
- 맙소사, 정말 말도 안 돼.mapsosa, jeongmal maldo an dwae.Omg, that is truly unbelievable.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo see a huge line at a popular restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin맙소사, 줄이 진짜 길다!mapsosa, juri jinjja gilda!OMG, the line is really long!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그러게, 여기서 한 시간은 기다려야겠어.geureoge, yeogiseo han sigan-eun gidaryeoyagesseo.I know, we'll have to wait an hour here.
- 수빈 Su-bin그냥 다른 곳으로 갈까?geunyang dareun goseuro galkka?Should we just go somewhere else?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래, 근처에 다른 식당 찾아보자.geurae, geuncheoe dareun sikdang chajaboja.Yeah, let's look for another restaurant nearby.
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.
