Korean Unlocked · Lesson 3
What Does 어떡해 Mean?
The one word Koreans say when something goes wrong
어떡해 · eo-tteok-ae · [ʌt͈ɔkɛ]
Quick Answer
어떡해 means “What do I do?” or “Oh no!” — it’s what Koreans say the moment something goes wrong, feels helpless, or they’re worried about someone. One word, many emotions.
The Grammar
어떡해 = 어떻게 + 해
어떻게
how / in what way
+
해
do (informal)
→
어떡해
What do I do?
어떡해 is a contracted form of 어떻게 해 (“how do [I] do [it]?”). In fast, natural speech, 어떻게 해 gets compressed into 어떡해. You’ll almost never hear the full form in casual conversation.
Watch Out
The Spelling Trap Even Koreans Fall Into
⚠️ 어떡해 vs 어떻해 — Know the Difference
✓ Correct
어떡해
Contraction of 어떻게 해 — always written this way
✗ Wrong
어떻해
This form does not exist in Korean
✓ Correct
어떻게
Adverb meaning “how” — used before a verb (어떻게 했어? / 어떻게 생각해?)
Native Korean speakers mix up 어떡해 and 어떻게 in text all the time. The rule is simple: if you mean “What do I do?”, it’s always 어떡해.
Real Meanings
4 Ways Koreans Actually Use 어떡해
1
“What do I do?” — Panic
Something just went wrong and you have no idea how to fix it. This is the most literal use.
지갑을 잃어버렸어. 어떡해!
I lost my wallet. What do I do!
2
“Oh no!” — Distress
Used as an exclamation when something bad happens or you just realized something alarming.
어떡해, 오늘 시험이잖아!
Oh no, the exam is today!
3
“Oh no, are you okay?” — Concern
When someone else is in trouble. You say 어떡해 to show empathy and worry for them.
어떡해, 많이 다쳤어?
Oh no, are you badly hurt?
4
“What can I do?” — Resignation
When nothing can be done about the situation anymore. A sigh of helplessness.
이미 끝난 거잖아. 어떡해.
It’s already over. What can I do.
Tone Matters
Same Word, Three Very Different Feelings
어떡해 doesn’t change its form — but the tone of voice completely changes what it means.
Panic / Rising tone ↗
어떡해?!
“What do I DO?!” — urgent, alarmed
Concern / Soft tone
어떡해~
“Oh no, poor you~” — sympathetic
Resignation / Flat tone →
어떡해.
“Nothing I can do.” — resigned sigh
Key Forms
어떡하다 — Forms You’ll Actually Use
| Situation | Korean | Meaning | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual exclamation | 어떡해 | What do I do? / Oh no! | Informal |
| Polite version | 어떡해요 | What should I do? (polite) | Polite |
| Thinking to yourself | 어떡하지 | What should I do…? | Informal |
| Wondering aloud | 어떡할까 | I wonder what to do | Informal |
| Asking what happened | 어떡했어? | What did you do? | Informal |
| Asking for instruction | 어떡하면 돼? | What should I do to fix it? | Informal |
| Expressing inevitability | 어떡할 수 없어 | There’s nothing I can do | Informal |
Real Conversations
어떡해 in Action
📱 Situation 1 — Forgot something important
Friend
내일 발표인데 자료를 집에 두고 왔어.
The presentation is tomorrow but I left my materials at home.
Me
어떡해! 지금 가서 가져올 수 있어?
Oh no! Can you go get it now?
😩 Situation 2 — Talking to yourself
Me (to self)
어떡하지… 약속을 두 개나 잡았네.
What should I do… I double-booked myself.
🤕 Situation 3 — Showing concern
Friend
발목을 삐었어.
I sprained my ankle.
Me
어떡해, 많이 아파? 병원 갔어?
Oh no, does it hurt a lot? Did you go to the hospital?
😔 Situation 4 — Resigned acceptance
Friend
환불이 안 된대.
They said no refunds.
Me
진짜? 어떡해… 그냥 쓰는 수밖에 없겠네.
Really? What can I do… I guess I’ll just have to use it.
🎯 Quick Reference Tips
- 어떡해 alone = Oh no! (exclamation, reacting to bad news)
- 어떡하지 alone = What should I do… (talking to yourself, thinking)
- 어떡해요? = polite version — use with people older than you or strangers
- Never say 어떻해 — it’s a misspelling. The correct form is always 어떡해.
- 어떡해 (what do I do) ≠ 어떻게 (how) — they look similar but mean different things
Lesson 3 Summary
어떡해!
Oh no! / What do I do! (panic)
어떡해~
Oh no, poor you~ (sympathy)
어떡하지…
What should I do… (to yourself)
어떡해.
What can I do. (resignation)
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