안됐네요
andwaetneyo
The Korean phrase for "poor you" is 안됐네요 (andwaetneyo).
This expression is used to show sympathy or pity when someone tells you about their misfortune.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the adjective 안되다, which means to be unfortunate or to not go well.
Which one should you use?
While 안됐네요 is a common way to say "poor you" or "that's too bad," you can also use 안타까워요 to convey the sense that "I feel sorry for you" or "it's unfortunate."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite form is 안됐네요. You can use the informal version 안됐네 with friends or people younger than you by dropping the –요 from the end. For a more formal and observational tone, such as saying "I see, that's a pity," you can use 안됐군요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending –네요 in 안됐네요 expresses a realization or a reaction to something the speaker has just heard or discovered.
How do you pronounce it?
andwaetneyo
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'poor you', Koreans often use the phrase 'my heart hurts' (가슴이 아파요) to express the same deep empathy.
- The word 안타깝다, used in the related phrase 안타까워요, literally describes a feeling of breathlessness or chest-tightening caused by a situation you cannot change.
- Using 안됐네 (the informal form) with someone older than you is considered a serious social faux pas, even if you are close, as pity implies a social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- 안타까워요. 이런 어려운 상황을 겪고 있으니까요. (Antakkawoyo. Ireon eoryeoun sanghwangeul geokgo isseunikka yo.)I feel sorry for you. Because you are going through such a difficult situation.
- 아이구! 그렇게 힘들게 지내다니 정말 괜찮아? (Aigoo! Geureoke himdeulge jinaedani jeongmal gwaenchanha?)Oh no! Are you really alright going through such hardships?
- 정말 안됐네요.jeongmal andwaetneyo.That is truly too bad.
- 그 소식을 들으니 안됐네요.geu sosigeul deureuni andwaetneyo.I feel sorry to hear that news.
- 시험을 못 봐서 정말 안됐네요.siheomeul mot bwaseo jeongmal andwaetneyo.It is a pity that you did not do well on the exam.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are talking about Ji-hun losing his wallet.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지갑을 잃어버렸어요.jigabeul ireobeoryeosseoyo.I lost my wallet.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 안됐네요, 지훈 씨.jeongmal andwaetneyo, ji-hun ssi.That is so unfortunate, Ji-hun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다시 찾을 수 있을까요?dasi chajeul su isseulkkayo?Do you think I can find it again?
- 지은 Ji-eun꼭 찾을 수 있을 거예요.kkok chajeul su isseul geoyeyo.I am sure you will find it.
