Expressing “No Choice But To” in Korean || Using 수밖에 없다

Q: What does -수밖에 없다 mean in Korean?

-수밖에 없다 is used to express that there is no other option or choice except to do something. It conveys inevitability or compulsion.

Q: Is -수밖에 없다 always negative in meaning?

Not always! It often implies a lack of options, which can sound negative, but it can also be neutral depending on the situation. It simply emphasizes the inevitability of the action.

Q: Can I use -수밖에 없다 in casual conversations?

Yes, it’s perfectly natural in both casual and formal Korean. You can adjust the verb endings to match the level of politeness: 친구한테: 먹을 수밖에 없어. 선생님께: 그렇게 할 수밖에 없습니다.

Q: What’s the difference between -수밖에 없다 and -야 하다?

-야 하다 expresses obligation (you must/should do something), while -수밖에 없다 emphasizes a lack of alternatives. Example : 공부 해야 해요 = I have to study. 공부할 수밖에 없어요 = I have no choice but to study.

Q: Can I study Korean at LTL Language School?

Yes! You can study with us in Seoul , in our Hongdae location , or online if you prefer learn from home. Contact us here if you have any questions.

Home B2 Expressing "no choice but to" in Korean

HOW TO USE 수밖에 없다

The Korean grammar structure “-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다” is vital for expressing situations where you have no alternative or where something is inevitable.

This structure is commonly used in everyday conversations and written materials to convey situations where there is only one possible course of action.

BASIC STRUCTURE

The expression “-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다” indicates that a particular action is the only possible outcome due to circumstances or constraints.

It shows that the speaker or subject has no other choice.

This structure is often used to express a sense of resignation, necessity, or inevitability.

Essentially, it conveys that you are forced to do something, and there’s no other option.

PATTERN

Verb stem + ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다

비가 와서 집에 있을 수밖에 없어요.	It’s raining, so I have no choice but to stay home.
늦어서 택시를 탈 수밖에 없었어요.	I was late, so I had no choice but to take a taxi.

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피곤해서 일찍 잘 수밖에 없어요.	I’m tired, so I have no choice but to sleep early.
돈이 없어서 안 살 수밖에 없었어요.	I had no money, so I had no choice but not to buy it.
시간이 없어서 못 갈 수밖에 없어요.	I had no time, so I had no choice but not to go.
배고파서 밥을 먹을 수밖에 없어요.	I’m hungry, so I have no choice but to eat.

ADVANCED USAGE

While “-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다” primarily expresses inevitability, the context can add subtle nuances. It can convey:

Resignation: Accepting an unfavorable situation.
Necessity: A required action due to circumstances.
Lack of Alternatives: Emphasizing the absence of other options.
Justification: Explaining why a particular action was taken.

시간이 없어서 빨리 갈 수밖에 없었어요.	I had no time, so I had no choice but to go quickly.
너무 추워서 옷을 더 입을 수밖에 없었어요.	It was too cold, so I had no choice but to wear more clothes.

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친구가 도와달라고 해서 거절할 수가 없었어요.	My friend asked for help, so I couldn’t refuse.
문제가 생겨서 해결할 수밖에 없었어요.	A problem occurred, so I had no choice but to solve it.
문이 잠겨서 기다릴 수밖에 없었어요.	The door was locked, so I had no choice but to wait.
가게가 너무 붐벼서 다른 곳에 가지 않을 수 없었어요.	The store was too crowded, so I had no choice but to go somewhere else.