하필 in 30 Seconds
- Expresses regret when something happens at the worst possible time or place.
- Means 'of all things/days/places,' highlighting an unfortunate choice or timing.
- Used to convey annoyance or ironic resignation about specific bad luck.
- Common in everyday Korean to describe inconvenient coincidences.
The Korean adverb 하필 (hapil) is used to express a sense of regret, annoyance, or sometimes even ironic resignation when something undesirable happens at a particularly inconvenient or specific time, place, or in a specific manner. It literally translates to 'of all things,' 'of all days,' 'of all places,' or 'of all people,' emphasizing the unfortunate or inopportune nature of the situation. You might use it when you feel that fate or circumstances have conspired against you in a very particular way.
Imagine you've been waiting for weeks to go on a picnic, and just on that day, it starts pouring rain. You might exclaim, '하필 비가 오다니!' (Hapil biga odani!) - 'Of all days, it had to rain!' This implies that the rain is not just bad luck; it's particularly bad luck because it happened on the one day you were looking forward to. Similarly, if you're trying to meet a friend but keep running into people you'd rather avoid, you might think, '하필 내가 아는 사람만 마주치네.' (Hapil naega aneun saramman majuchine.) - 'Of all people, I only seem to run into people I know.'
The key emotion conveyed by 하필 is often a feeling that the timing or choice was exceptionally poor or unlucky. It's not just a neutral observation; there's an underlying sentiment of 'Why *this*? Why *now*? Why *here*?' The word adds a layer of emotional emphasis to the statement, highlighting the specific and often frustrating nature of the unfortunate event. It's a common expression in everyday Korean conversation, used to commiserate or to express a shared feeling of mild misfortune.
Think of it as a way to point out the specific, almost targeted, nature of bad luck. It's like saying, 'Out of all the possibilities, it had to be this one, which is the worst possible outcome at this moment.' This makes it a very relatable and frequently used word when discussing everyday frustrations or minor inconveniences that feel particularly pointed.
Using 하필 (hapil) effectively involves placing it before the noun or verb phrase that describes the unfortunate timing, place, or choice. It acts as an adverb modifying the subsequent part of the sentence, highlighting its specific unsuitability. The grammatical structure often involves 하필 followed by the specific unfortunate element, and then a verb or adjective expressing the reaction or outcome.
A very common structure is 하필 + [noun/event] + -(이)다 or 하필 + [noun/event] + -(으)ㄹ 때. For instance, if you wanted to say 'Of all the days, today is the day I forgot my wallet,' you would say, '하필 오늘 지갑을 잊어버리다니!' (Hapil oneul jigabeul ijeobeoridani!). Here, '오늘' (today) is the specific, unfortunate timing, and the phrase expresses dismay about it.
Another common pattern is when something specific happens at an inconvenient time. For example, '하필 내가 제일 바쁠 때 전화가 왔다.' (Hapil naega jeil bappeul ttae jeonhwaga watda.) - 'Of all times, the phone rang when I was busiest.' In this sentence, '내가 제일 바쁠 때' (when I was busiest) is the specific inconvenient timing that 하필 emphasizes.
You can also use it with locations. If you're looking for a quiet place to study but end up in a noisy cafe, you might say, '하필 이렇게 시끄러운 카페에 오다니.' (Hapil ireoke sikkeureoun kape-e odani.) - 'Of all places, to come to a cafe this noisy.' The phrase '이렇게 시끄러운 카페에' (to a cafe this noisy) is the specific, undesirable location.
The particle combination following the noun after 하필 can vary, but common ones include topic markers (은/는), subject markers (이/가), or temporal markers (때). The key is that 하필 sets up the expectation that what follows is a particularly unlucky or inconvenient occurrence. It adds a dramatic flair to everyday complaints or observations about unfortunate circumstances, making the statement more vivid and relatable.
You'll hear 하필 (hapil) frequently in everyday conversations, especially among friends, family, and colleagues when discussing minor misfortunes or inconvenient events. It's a word that adds a touch of relatable drama and shared sentiment to everyday life.
Imagine a group of friends planning an outdoor barbecue. One friend might lament, '하필 내가 못 가는 날에 날씨가 너무 좋네.' (Hapil naega mot ganeun nar-e nalssiga neomu jon-ne.) - 'Of all the days, the weather is so nice on the day I can't go.' This is a classic scenario where 하필 is used to express that feeling of missing out due to particularly bad timing.
In a work context, if a crucial document gets corrupted just before a deadline, an employee might sigh, '하필 마감 직전에 파일이 날아가 버렸어.' (Hapil magam jikjeon-e pa-ili nar-aga beoryeoss-eo.) - 'Of all times, the file got corrupted right before the deadline.' This conveys the frustration of the specific, ill-timed technical failure.
You might also hear it in humorous or self-deprecating contexts. For example, if someone is trying to impress a date but ends up tripping and falling, they might think or say to themselves, '하필 첫 데이트에 넘어지다니!' (Hapil cheot deiteu-e neom-eojidani!) - 'Of all moments, to fall on the first date!'
It's also common in casual storytelling or recounting past events. 'Remember that time we went on vacation? 하필 그때 태풍이 왔었지.' (Remember that time we went on vacation? Hapil geuttae taepung-i wasseossji.) - 'Remember that time we went on vacation? Of all times, a typhoon hit then.' This use highlights the unfortunate coincidence of the weather event with their trip.
Even in media, like dramas or variety shows, characters might use 하필 to express their exasperation or to create a sense of dramatic irony. It's a versatile word that adds a layer of emotional depth and relatability to situations that feel particularly ill-timed or inconvenient.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 하필 (hapil) is using it in situations where a more neutral statement would suffice. 하필 carries a specific emotional weight of regret or annoyance, so applying it to merely factual or neutral occurrences can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
For example, saying '하필 오늘 날씨가 좋다' (Hapil oneul nalssiga jota - 'Of all days, the weather is good today') without any context of wanting it to be bad or having plans that depend on bad weather would sound odd. The implicit understanding is that the situation described after 하필 is undesirable. If the situation is genuinely good, and you're just stating a fact, it's better to say '오늘 날씨가 좋다' (Oneul nalssiga jota - 'The weather is good today').
Another mistake is misplacing the adverb. 하필 should typically come before the specific element it's emphasizing. Placing it at the end of the sentence or in the middle of a phrase it's meant to modify can lead to confusion. For instance, '오늘 날씨가 좋다 하필' is incorrect; it should be '하필 오늘 날씨가 좋다' (if implying it's good on a day you wanted it to be bad) or, more commonly, used with negative outcomes like '하필 오늘 비가 온다' (Hapil oneul biga onda - 'Of all days, it's raining today').
Learners might also overuse it, similar to how some might overuse 'literally' in English. Constantly using 하필 for every minor inconvenience can dilute its impact and make the speaker sound perpetually disgruntled. It's best reserved for situations where the specific timing or choice genuinely feels particularly unlucky or inconvenient.
Finally, confusion can arise when comparing it to similar expressions. While 하필 focuses on the unfortunate 'of all X' aspect, other adverbs might express simple timing or emphasis without the same emotional baggage. Understanding the nuances of regret and annoyance embedded in 하필 is crucial for its correct application.
While 하필 (hapil) is quite unique in its specific nuance of 'of all things/days/places' with regret, there are other words and phrases that can convey similar ideas of unfortunate timing or specific circumstances, though often with different emotional emphasis.
-기껏 (gikkeot): This adverb often implies doing something with great effort or to a great extent, only for it to be in vain or for an undesirable outcome to occur. It's similar to 'after all that effort' or 'only to.' For example, '기껏 준비했는데 비가 왔다' (Gikkeot junbihaenneunde biga watda) - 'I prepared so much, only for it to rain.' This overlaps with 하필's sense of wasted effort due to unfortunate circumstances, but 기껏 focuses more on the effort expended.
-하마터면 (hamateomyeon): This phrase means 'almost' or 'nearly,' used to describe a situation that narrowly avoided a negative outcome. While not a direct synonym, it deals with potentially bad situations. For instance, '하마터면 넘어질 뻔했다' (Hamateomyeon neom-eojil ppeonhaetda) - 'I almost fell.' This is about avoiding a negative event, whereas 하필 is about an undesirable event actually happening.
-우연히 (uyeonhi): This means 'by chance' or 'coincidentally.' While 하필 often describes an *unfortunate* coincidence, 우연히 is neutral. You could say, '우연히 그 사람을 만났다' (Uyeonhi geu saram-eul mann-atda) - 'I met that person by chance.' If meeting that person was undesirable, you could then add 하필: '하필 그 사람을 우연히 만났다' (Hapil geu saram-eul uyeonhi mann-atda) - 'Of all people, I happened to meet *that* person by chance.'
-때마침 (ttaemachim): This adverb means 'just in time' or 'at the opportune moment.' It's the opposite of the unfortunate timing often implied by 하필. However, it can be used ironically. If something bad happens exactly when you needed something good, you might use 때마침 sarcastically, but 하필 directly expresses the regret.
In summary, while other adverbs can discuss timing or coincidence, 하필 is distinct for its explicit expression of regret or annoyance at a specific, unfortunate choice or occurrence among many possibilities.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The structure of 하필 is similar to how many Korean adverbs are formed by combining Chinese characters to create specific meanings. The implication of 'necessarily' or 'certainly' in the original characters highlights how the unfortunate event feels like it was 'bound' to happen in that specific, inconvenient way.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'h' sound too strongly or not aspirating it.
- Confusing the short 'a' sound with a longer 'ah' sound.
- Adding an extra vowel sound after the 'l'.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR B1 level. Understanding the nuance of regret and specific timing is key. Learners might initially miss the emotional weight of the word.
B1. Correctly placing 하필 and understanding when to use it requires practice. Overuse or misuse can lead to unnatural sentences.
B1. Confidently using 하필 in spontaneous speech requires familiarity with its context and emotional tone.
B1. Recognizing 하필 in spoken Korean helps in understanding the speaker's frustration or regret about the timing.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverb Placement
Adverbs like 하필 usually precede the word or phrase they modify. For example, '하필 오늘' (Of all days, today) is correct, not '오늘 하필'.
Noun Suffixes after Adverbs
After a noun modified by 하필, you might use particles like -(이)다, -(으)ㄹ 때, or simply a verb. For example, '하필 오늘이 토요일이다' (Of all days, today is Saturday) or '하필 비가 올 때 나갔다' (Of all things, it was raining when I went out).
Expressing Regret/Annoyance
하필 is often followed by verb endings that express regret or surprise, such as -다니, -어/아 버리다, or -ㄹ 줄이야. For instance, '하필 비가 오다니!' (Of all things, it's raining!).
Emphasis with -면
The '면' in 하필 (하 + 필) can be seen as carrying a conditional or hypothetical sense, 'if it is which/what,' leading to the meaning of 'if it is *this* specific one (among possibilities).' This is a deeper etymological connection but influences its usage.
Contrast with Opportune Timing
Contrast '하필' with adverbs like '때마침' (just in time) or '마침' (conveniently) to understand its specific nuance of inconvenient timing. For instance, '하필 시험 전날 밤샘' (Of all times, pulling an all-nighter the night before the exam) versus '때마침 친구가 도와주러 왔다' (Conveniently, a friend came to help).
Examples by Level
하필 비가 오네.
Of all things, it's raining.
Simple statement of an unfortunate event.
하필 오늘?
Of all days, today?
Expressing disbelief about the timing.
하필 여기서.
Of all places, here.
Expressing surprise about the location.
하필 나야?
Of all people, me?
Expressing surprise about being chosen.
하필 지금.
Of all times, now.
Expressing frustration about the current timing.
하필 그 사람.
Of all people, that person.
Expressing displeasure about a specific person.
하필 이런 날.
Of all days, a day like this.
Expressing regret about the weather/day.
하필 제일 바쁠 때.
Of all times, when I'm busiest.
Highlighting an inconvenient busy period.
하필 내가 제일 좋아하는 옷에 얼룩이 묻었어.
Of all things, my favorite clothes got stained.
Specific undesirable event affecting a prized possession.
하필이면 친구 생일날에 감기에 걸렸어.
Of all days, I caught a cold on my friend's birthday.
Unfortunate timing impacting a social event.
하필이면 중요한 발표 때 갑자기 배가 아팠다.
Of all times, my stomach suddenly hurt during the important presentation.
Physical discomfort at a critical moment.
하필이면 차가 막힐 때 약속이 있었어.
Of all times, I had an appointment when traffic was bad.
Inconvenient traffic during a scheduled event.
하필이면 이사 가는 날에 비가 쏟아졌다.
Of all days, it poured rain on the moving day.
Bad weather on a significant moving day.
하필이면 내가 없는 동안에 도둑이 들었다.
Of all times, a thief broke in while I was away.
Crime occurring during an absence.
하필이면 가장 피하고 싶은 사람과 마주쳤다.
Of all people, I ran into the person I most wanted to avoid.
Unwanted encounter with a specific individual.
하필이면 시험 전날 밤에 잠이 안 왔다.
Of all times, I couldn't sleep the night before the exam.
Insomnia before an important test.
하필이면 내가 그 프로젝트에서 가장 중요한 부분을 맡고 있을 때, 컴퓨터가 고장 났어요.
Of all times, when I was in charge of the most important part of that project, the computer broke down.
Technical failure during a critical work responsibility.
하필이면 휴가 떠나기 바로 전날에, 예상치 못한 문제가 발생했다.
Of all times, an unexpected problem arose right before leaving for vacation.
Unexpected issue disrupting travel plans.
하필이면 늦잠 자서 중요한 회의에 지각할 뻔했습니다.
Of all times, I overslept and almost missed the important meeting.
Oversleeping leading to near-lateness for a key event.
하필이면 이렇게 사람이 많은 곳에서 지갑을 잃어버리다니.
Of all places, to lose my wallet in such a crowded place.
Losing something valuable in a busy public space.
하필이면 내가 가장 좋아하는 가수가 콘서트를 할 때, 나는 다른 지방에 있었다.
Of all times, when my favorite singer was holding a concert, I was in another region.
Geographical distance preventing attendance at a desired event.
하필이면 비싼 음식을 주문했는데, 맛이 전혀 없었다.
Of all things, I ordered expensive food, but it tasted terrible.
Disappointing quality of an expensive purchase.
하필이면 아기가 가장 조용할 때, 갑자기 큰 소리가 나서 깼다.
Of all times, when the baby was quietest, it suddenly woke up due to a loud noise.
Disruption of a peaceful moment by an external factor.
하필이면 내가 가장 보고 싶었던 전시회가 하필 오늘 휴관일이었다.
Of all things, the exhibition I most wanted to see happened to be closed today.
Desired attraction being unavailable on the specific visit day.
하필이면 제가 중요한 발표를 준비하던 중에, 갑자기 인터넷 연결이 끊어져서 모든 자료를 잃을 뻔했습니다.
Of all times, while I was preparing for an important presentation, the internet connection suddenly dropped, and I almost lost all my data.
Critical technical failure during a high-stakes task.
하필이면 오랜만에 만나는 친구와 약속이 있던 날, 갑자기 몸이 안 좋아져서 취소해야 했습니다.
Of all days, on the day I had plans with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time, I suddenly felt unwell and had to cancel.
Illness forcing cancellation of a long-awaited reunion.
하필이면 가장 필요했던 순간에, 제가 아끼던 물건이 망가져 버렸습니다.
Of all moments, when I needed it most, the item I cherished broke.
Failure of a crucial personal item at a moment of need.
하필이면 우리가 그 장소를 지나갈 때, 바로 앞에서 사고가 나는 바람에 길이 막혀버렸습니다.
Of all places, just as we were passing that spot, an accident happened right in front of us, causing a complete traffic jam.
Unfortunate timing of an accident causing severe disruption.
하필이면 가족 모두가 모이는 명절 당일에, 갑자기 정전이 되어서 모든 계획이 틀어졌습니다.
Of all days, on the very day the whole family was gathering for the holiday, there was a sudden power outage, ruining all our plans.
Power outage disrupting a significant family gathering.
하필이면 제가 제일 좋아하는 작가의 전시회가 열리는 기간에, 저는 해외 출장 중이었습니다.
Of all times, during the period my favorite author's exhibition was being held, I was on a business trip abroad.
Being away during a highly anticipated cultural event.
하필이면 그렇게 공들여 준비한 서류가, 심사 당일 날 분실되었다는 연락을 받았습니다.
Of all things, on the day of the review, I received news that the documents I had painstakingly prepared were lost.
Loss of crucial submitted documents on review day.
하필이면 가장 중요한 순간에, 제 휴대폰 배터리가 방전되어 아무 연락도 할 수 없었습니다.
Of all moments, my phone battery died at the most critical juncture, leaving me unable to contact anyone.
Device failure at a crucial moment of communication.
하필이면 모든 준비를 마치고 최종 점검을 하던 바로 그 순간에, 예상치 못한 기술적 결함이 발견되어 행사가 전면 중단되었습니다.
Of all moments, at the very instant we had completed all preparations and were doing the final checks, an unexpected technical defect was discovered, leading to the complete suspension of the event.
Event cancellation due to a last-minute technical failure.
하필이면 오랜 기간 심혈을 기울여 연구해 온 논문의 발표를 앞두고, 데이터 오류가 발견되어 연구 전체를 재검토해야 하는 상황에 처했습니다.
Of all times, just before presenting the thesis I had dedicated years of effort to researching, a data error was discovered, putting me in a situation where the entire research had to be re-examined.
Discovery of errors in critical research just before presentation.
하필이면 가장 중요한 협상이 진행되던 시점에, 상대방 측에서 갑작스러운 요구사항 변경을 통보해 왔습니다.
Of all times, at the point when the most crucial negotiations were underway, the other party suddenly informed us of changes to their demands.
Sudden change in demands during critical negotiations.
하필이면 도시 전체가 마비될 정도의 교통 체증이 발생한 날, 저는 중요한 면접을 보러 가야 했습니다.
Of all days, on a day when traffic congestion occurred to the extent that it paralyzed the entire city, I had to go for an important job interview.
Severe traffic disruption on the day of a crucial interview.
하필이면 제가 심혈을 기울여 완성한 작품을 선보이려던 바로 그 날, 전시 공간에 문제가 발생하여 개최 자체가 불투명해졌습니다.
Of all days, on the very day I intended to showcase the artwork I had painstakingly completed, a problem occurred with the exhibition space, making its opening uncertain.
Venue issues jeopardizing the unveiling of significant work.
하필이면 역사적인 순간을 기록하기 위해 모인 기자단 앞에서, 카메라 장비에 치명적인 결함이 발견되었습니다.
Of all moments, in front of the press corps gathered to document a historic moment, a critical defect was discovered in the camera equipment.
Equipment failure during the documentation of a historic event.
하필이면 수년간 공들여 키워온 사업의 중대한 기로에서, 예상치 못한 규제 변화로 인해 모든 계획이 수포로 돌아갈 위기에 처했습니다.
Of all times, at a critical juncture for the business I had nurtured for years, due to unexpected regulatory changes, all plans were on the verge of being nullified.
Regulatory changes threatening long-term business success.
하필이면 가장 절실하게 도움이 필요했던 순간에, 제가 의지했던 모든 지원 시스템이 동시에 작동 불능 상태에 빠졌습니다.
Of all moments, at the very instant I desperately needed help, all the support systems I relied upon simultaneously became inoperable.
Simultaneous failure of essential support systems during a crisis.
하필이면 인류의 미래를 좌우할 수도 있는 중대한 과학적 발견을 발표하려던 바로 그 시점에, 예기치 못한 외부 요인으로 인해 발표가 무기한 연기되는 참으로 아이러니한 상황에 직면했습니다.
Of all moments, at the very juncture when we were about to announce a significant scientific discovery that could determine the future of humanity, we faced the truly ironic situation of the announcement being indefinitely postponed due to unforeseen external factors.
Irony of a world-changing discovery's announcement being delayed by external forces.
하필이면 수십 년간 쌓아 올린 명성과 신뢰가 한순간에 무너질 위기에 처했을 때, 진실을 밝힐 결정적인 증거가 하필이면 가장 예상치 못한 곳에서 발견되었습니다.
Of all times, when the reputation and trust built over decades were on the verge of collapse in an instant, the decisive evidence to reveal the truth was found in the most unexpected place.
Discovery of crucial evidence to save reputation at the brink of collapse.
하필이면 평화로운 전환을 기대하던 시점에, 정치적 격변으로 인해 오랜 갈등이 다시 점화될 조짐을 보였습니다.
Of all times, at a moment when a peaceful transition was anticipated, signs of old conflicts reigniting emerged due to political upheaval.
Resurgence of conflict during a period of expected peace.
하필이면 모든 인류가 직면한 공동의 위협에 맞서 단결해야 할 바로 그때, 국가 간의 불신과 갈등이 최고조에 달했습니다.
Of all moments, at the very time when all of humanity should have united against a common threat, distrust and conflict between nations reached their peak.
Nationalistic conflict hindering cooperation against a global threat.
하필이면 예술의 정수를 담은 걸작이 탄생하려던 찰나, 시대의 흐름이 바뀌면서 그 가치를 제대로 인정받지 못하는 비극을 맞았습니다.
Of all times, at the very moment a masterpiece embodying the essence of art was about to be born, the flow of the era changed, leading to the tragedy of it not being properly recognized.
Masterpiece failing to gain recognition due to shifting cultural paradigms.
하필이면 인류 문명의 중추적인 발전을 이끌 잠재력을 지닌 기술이, 하필이면 그것이 오용될 가능성이 가장 높은 시점에 개발되었습니다.
Of all things, a technology with the potential to lead pivotal advancements in human civilization was developed at precisely the time when its potential for misuse was highest.
Development of a powerful technology coinciding with its highest risk of misuse.
하필이면 수백 년간 이어져 온 평화로운 관계가 위태로워질 수 있는 민감한 사안이, 하필이면 양측의 지도자들이 가장 비협조적인 태도를 보일 때 수면 위로 떠올랐습니다.
Of all things, a sensitive issue that could jeopardize a peaceful relationship spanning centuries surfaced precisely when the leaders on both sides exhibited the most uncooperative attitudes.
Sensitive diplomatic issue arising during a period of leadership inflexibility.
하필이면 인류가 오랜 염원이었던 우주 탐사의 결정적인 돌파구를 마련하려던 바로 그때, 지구상의 예기치 못한 재난으로 인해 모든 노력이 중단되어야 했습니다.
Of all moments, at the very time when a decisive breakthrough in space exploration, humanity's long-held aspiration, was about to be made, all efforts had to be halted due to an unforeseen disaster on Earth.
Terrestrial disaster halting ambitious space exploration efforts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Of all days, today. Used to express regret that something inconvenient is happening on this specific day.
하필 오늘 중요한 발표가 있는데, 감기에 걸려 버렸어요.
— This is often used as an intensifier for 'of all things/days/places,' emphasizing the specific unluckiness.
하필이면 내가 제일 좋아하는 옷에 얼룩이 묻었어.
— Of all times, then. Used when something inconvenient occurred at a particular past moment.
하필 그때 전화가 와서 중요한 대화를 놓쳤어요.
— Of all the [things/people], that one. Used to specify a particular undesirable person or object.
하필이면 그가 제일 싫어하는 손님이 찾아왔다.
— Of all [circumstances], a situation like this. Used to describe an unfortunate state of affairs.
하필 이런 날씨에 야외 행사를 해야 한다니.
— Of all people, me? Expresses surprise and regret at being singled out for an unfortunate event.
왜 하필 나야? 나한테만 왜 이런 일이 일어나는 거야?
— Why, of all things, why? A rhetorical question expressing deep frustration or bewilderment at fate.
하필이면 왜 나에게 이런 시련이 닥친 건가요?
— Of all the days, that day. Specifically refers to a particular day that turned out to be unlucky.
하필이면 그날 중요한 시험이 있었는데, 차가 막혔어요.
— Of all places, here. Used when finding oneself in an undesirable location.
하필이면 내가 제일 피하고 싶은 장소에 와 버렸다.
— Of all the [times/things], the very [most]. Emphasizes the extreme inconvenience.
하필 제일 바쁠 때 전화가 왔다.
Often Confused With
While both can express surprise at an event, '어쩌다' is more general about 'how did it happen?' and lacks the specific regret of timing or choice that '하필' conveys.
'우연히' means 'by chance' and is neutral. '하필' implies an *unfortunate* chance or coincidence, adding a layer of negativity.
'때마침' means 'just in time' or 'opportunely,' indicating good timing. '하필' signifies bad or inconvenient timing, often the opposite.
Idioms & Expressions
— A twist of fate, emphasizing that the unfortunate event feels like a deliberate, cruel joke played by destiny.
하필이면 결혼식 날 폭우가 쏟아지다니, 정말 운명의 장난 같았어요.
Informal/Literary— Heaven is so indifferent/unkind. Expresses deep lament and a feeling that fate or a higher power is uncaring about one's suffering.
하필이면 가족의 건강이 다 나빠졌을 때, 돈까지 없어지다니, 하늘도 무심하시지.
Slightly Formal/Lamenting— To make matters worse, emphasizing that the unfortunate event compounded existing problems. 설상가상 (seolsanggasang) itself means 'adding frost to snow.'
시험에 떨어졌는데, 하필이면 그날 지갑까지 잃어버렸어요. 정말 설상가상이었죠.
Neutral/Formal— Another way to say 'making matters worse' or 'one misfortune after another.' 엎친 데 덮친 격 (eopchin de deopchin gyeok) literally means 'a fall and then a cover.'
회사 사정이 어려워졌는데, 하필이면 제 건강까지 나빠졌어요. 엎친 데 덮친 격이었죠.
Informal/Common— Expresses disbelief and regret that a feared or unlikely negative event actually occurred. 'Surely not... but of all things, it happened.'
설마 내가 1등을 놓칠까 했는데, 하필이면 마지막 순간에 실수를 했네요.
Informal/Expressing disbelief— This idiom is less common and might be a playful or exaggerated way to say something happened very close by or at an inconveniently close proximity. It emphasizes the specific, perhaps irritating, nearness of the event.
하필이면 엎어지니 코 닿을 데서 교통사고가 났지 뭐야, 소음 때문에 잠을 못 잤어.
Informal/Humorous exaggeration— A more emphatic way to say 'falling and stumbling,' often used metaphorically to describe a series of misfortunes or clumsy mistakes, especially when contrasted with a desired smooth progression.
사업이 잘 풀리나 했더니, 하필이면 엎어지고 자빠지니 결국 실패했습니다.
Informal/Describing repeated failures— Similar to 하마터면, but with the added nuance of 하필, suggesting that the near-fall was particularly ill-timed or embarrassing.
하필이면 중요한 손님 앞에서 엎어질 뻔했어요. 정말 창피했죠.
Informal/Embarrassing near-miss— A colloquial and somewhat dramatic way to describe a series of unfortunate events or mishaps.
인생이 하필이면 엎어지고 넘어지고의 연속이었지만, 그래도 포기하지 않았습니다.
Informal/Describing life's struggles— This phrase is less standard as an idiom and might be a variation or a specific contextual use. If interpreted, it could imply something happening very suddenly and catastrophically, like falling over.
경제 상황이 하필이면 엎어지듯 나빠져서 많은 사람들이 어려움을 겪었다.
Less common/Possibly contextualEasily Confused
Both '기껏' and '하필' can be used when something done with effort results in an undesirable outcome.
'기껏' emphasizes the effort put in, suggesting it was in vain ('after all that effort'). '하필' emphasizes the specific, unfortunate timing or choice of the negative outcome itself, often implying 'why *this* specific bad thing?'
기껏 준비했는데 비가 왔다. (I prepared so much, only for it to rain - emphasizes effort wasted). 하필 비가 왔다. (Of all things, it rained - emphasizes the rain itself as the unfortunate event).
Both relate to negative situations, but '하마터면' deals with narrowly avoiding a bad outcome, while '하필' deals with an undesirable outcome that actually occurred.
'하마터면' means 'almost' or 'nearly' (e.g., '하마터면 넘어질 뻔했다' - I almost fell). '하필' means 'of all things' and describes what *did* happen (e.g., '하필 넘어졌다' - Of all things, I fell).
하마터면 시험을 망칠 뻔했다. (I almost messed up the exam). 하필 시험을 망쳤다. (Of all things, I messed up the exam).
Both describe unfortunate situations, but '설상가상' is a set phrase for 'making matters worse' when multiple bad things happen consecutively.
'하필' focuses on a single instance of particularly inconvenient timing or choice. '설상가상' describes a situation where one bad thing is added to another, compounding the misfortune. You might use '하필' to describe the first bad event, and then '설상가상' to describe the subsequent bad events.
하필 시험 전날 감기에 걸렸다. (Of all times, I caught a cold the day before the exam). 설상가상으로, 시험 당일 지갑까지 잃어버렸다. (To make matters worse, I also lost my wallet on the exam day).
Both can describe outcomes, but '결국' focuses on the final result after a series of events, while '하필' emphasizes the specific, inconvenient nature of an event or its timing.
'결국' means 'in the end' or 'after all.' It's about the ultimate consequence. '하필' is about the specific, often regrettable, moment or choice that led to or was part of the outcome. '결국' is more about the destination, '하필' is about a particularly unlucky turn on the way.
여러 번 시도했지만 결국 실패했다. (I tried many times, but in the end, I failed). 하필이면 내가 제일 자신 있던 부분에서 실패했다. (Of all things, I failed in the part I was most confident about).
These words indicate opportune or convenient timing, which is the direct opposite of the inconvenient timing emphasized by '하필'.
'마침' and '때마침' mean 'just in time' or 'conveniently.' They are used for positive or neutral coincidences. '하필' is used for negative or inconvenient coincidences. For example, '마침 친구가 도와주러 왔다' (Conveniently, a friend came to help) vs. '하필 내가 제일 바쁠 때 전화가 왔다' (Of all times, the phone rang when I was busiest).
마침 필요한 물건을 찾았어요. (I found the item I needed just in time). 하필이면 내가 제일 급할 때 그 물건이 없었어요. (Of all things, the item was out of stock when I needed it most).
Sentence Patterns
하필 + [Time/Place]
하필 오늘. (Of all days, today.)
하필 + [Noun]
하필 비. (Of all things, rain.)
하필 + [Noun] + -(이)가/-(을)를 + Verb
하필 그 책이 다 팔렸어요. (Of all books, that one was sold out.)
하필 + [Time Phrase] + -(으)ㄹ 때
하필 내가 제일 바쁠 때 전화가 왔어요. (Of all times, the phone rang when I was busiest.)
하필이면 + [Noun Phrase] + -(이)다/-(으)ㄹ
하필이면 그가 제일 싫어하는 사람이 왔습니다. (Of all people, the person he dislikes the most came.)
하필 + [Circumstance] + -(으)ㄴ/ㄴ데도
하필이면 그렇게 좋은 날씨인데도 불구하고, 나는 집에 있었다. (Of all the nice weather, despite it being so nice, I stayed home.)
하필 + [Event/Situation] + -(으)ㄹ 줄이야
하필이면 제일 중요한 순간에 실수를 할 줄이야! (Of all moments, to make a mistake at the most important juncture!)
하필이면 + [Noun Phrase] + -(으)ㄹ 때 + [Consequence]
하필이면 모든 준비를 마쳤을 때, 예상치 못한 문제가 발생했다. (Of all times, when all preparations were finished, an unexpected problem occurred.)
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
High. Frequently used in everyday conversation.
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Using '하필' for neutral or positive events.
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Using '하필' only for inconvenient or regrettable situations.
'하필' inherently carries a negative connotation of unfortunate timing or choice. Using it for a positive event, like '하필 오늘 날씨가 좋다' (Of all days, the weather is good), would sound unnatural unless there's an implied contrast (e.g., 'I wanted it to rain for some reason, but of all days, it's nice').
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Incorrect placement of '하필'.
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Placing '하필' before the element it modifies.
'하필' is an adverb and should usually precede the noun, time, or circumstance it's emphasizing. Saying '오늘 하필' is incorrect; it should be '하필 오늘'. Similarly, '비가 하필 온다' is less natural than '하필 비가 온다'.
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Confusing '하필' with '어쩌다' or '우연히'.
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Understanding that '하필' emphasizes specific, unfortunate timing/choice, while '어쩌다' (how did it happen?) and '우연히' (by chance) are more general or neutral.
'어쩌다' is a general question about causation. '우연히' is a neutral statement of coincidence. '하필' specifically adds regret or annoyance to that coincidence.
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Overusing '하필' for every minor inconvenience.
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Using '하필' for situations where the timing or choice is genuinely notably inconvenient or regrettable.
Like any emphatic word, overuse can diminish its impact. Reserve '하필' for moments where the specific unluckiness truly stands out, rather than for every small annoyance.
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Not understanding the emotional nuance.
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Recognizing that '하필' conveys regret, annoyance, or resignation.
Simply translating '하필' as 'of all things' might miss the underlying emotional layer. It's not just a factual statement of specific timing, but an expression of feeling about that timing.
Tips
Focus on the Specificity
Remember that '하필' is all about specificity. It's not just bad luck; it's bad luck that happens at the *worst possible moment*, in the *worst possible way*, or involving the *worst possible thing/person*. Emphasize this specific unfortunate element when using the word.
Aspirated 'H'
Ensure you aspirate the 'h' sound in '하필' (hapil). It's a soft, breathy sound at the beginning, not a hard 'h'. Practice saying 'ha-pil' with a slight puff of air.
Relatable Frustrations
Think of '하필' as a tool for expressing those universally relatable moments of frustration where life seems to throw you a curveball at the most inconvenient time. It's about acknowledging those 'why me, why now?' moments.
Placement Matters
The adverb '하필' generally comes before the noun, time, or circumstance it is modifying. Correct placement is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. '하필 오늘' is correct, not '오늘 하필'.
Distinguish from '어쩌다'
While '어쩌다' asks 'how did this happen?', '하필' asks 'why *this specific* unfortunate thing/time/place?'. Focus on the 'specific regret' aspect of '하필'.
Sound Association
Associate '하필' with 'hapless timing' or a 'bad pill' to swallow. This can help you remember its meaning of unfortunate, specific circumstances.
Shared Misfortune
Using '하필' can create a sense of shared understanding and commiseration among Koreans, as it taps into a common experience of dealing with inconvenient twists of fate.
Create Your Own Scenarios
Invent your own scenarios where '하필' would be the perfect word to use. Think of everyday annoyances and how you could express them using this adverb.
Opposite of Opportune
Remember that '하필' is the opposite of opportune or convenient timing. If something happens at the *perfect* moment, you wouldn't use '하필'.
Conveying Feeling
Pay attention to the emotional tone. '하필' can range from mild annoyance to deep resignation or even humorous self-pity, depending on the context and intonation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you're at a picnic, and out of all the beautiful sunny days, it *has to* rain. You might shout, 'HAPIL! Why today?!' The 'hap' sound can remind you of 'hapless' or 'hapless timing.' The 'pil' could sound like 'pill,' a bad pill to swallow.
Visual Association
Picture a calendar with every day crossed out except one, which is circled with a big red 'X' and a rain cloud above it. This emphasizes 'of all the days, *this* one.'
Word Web
Challenge
Try to create a short story or a series of sentences using 하필 to describe a character's frustrating day. Focus on how each event feels specifically ill-timed or poorly chosen.
Word Origin
The word 하필 (hapil) is derived from Classical Chinese characters. It is composed of '하' (何, meaning 'what' or 'which') and '필' (必, meaning 'necessarily' or 'certainly'). The combination literally implies 'what necessarily' or 'which certainly,' evolving to mean 'of all things/days/places' in a context of unfortunate selection.
Original meaning: What necessarily; which certainly.
Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese characters)Cultural Context
The use of 하필 is generally not offensive. It's used for everyday inconveniences and misfortunes. However, it should be used appropriately; applying it to truly tragic or deeply serious events might trivialize them. It's best suited for personal frustrations and minor setbacks.
While there isn't a perfect one-to-one equivalent in English, phrases like 'Of all the days...' or 'Of all the places...' capture the essence. However, English often lacks the inherent nuance of regret and annoyance that 하필 carries so naturally.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Bad weather on an important day.
- 하필 오늘 비가 오다니!
- 하필이면 내가 쉬는 날에만 날씨가 안 좋아.
Running into someone you wish to avoid.
- 하필이면 내가 제일 피하고 싶은 사람을 만났어.
- 하필 거기서 그를 마주칠 줄이야.
Technical problems at a critical moment.
- 하필이면 발표 직전에 컴퓨터가 멈췄어.
- 하필 제일 바쁠 때 인터넷이 끊겼다.
Missing out on something desirable due to timing.
- 하필이면 콘서트 당일에 일이 생겨서 못 갔어.
- 하필이면 내가 해외에 나가 있을 때 그 행사가 열렸지.
Personal mishaps or embarrassing moments.
- 하필이면 첫 데이트에 넘어졌어.
- 하필 제일 중요한 순간에 실수를 하다니.
Conversation Starters
"오늘 하필이면 왜 이렇게 힘든 일이 많아요?"
"혹시 하필이면 제일 바쁠 때 전화 받은 적 있어요?"
"하필이면 내가 제일 좋아하는 음식이 품절이었어. 여러분은 어땠어요?"
"하필이면 그 장소에서 예상치 못한 사람을 만난 경험이 있나요?"
"하필이면 오늘 같은 날, 꼭 필요한 물건을 잊어버렸어요."
Journal Prompts
Think about a time when something inconvenient happened at the worst possible moment. Describe it using '하필'.
Write about a situation where you felt particularly unlucky with timing. How did '하필' fit into your thoughts?
Imagine a character in a story who constantly faces '하필' moments. What kind of person would they be?
Contrast a situation where something happened '마침' (conveniently) with a situation where it happened '하필'.
Reflect on how acknowledging minor misfortunes with words like '하필' can help in coping with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, '하필' inherently carries a sense of regret, annoyance, or unfortunate coincidence. It's used when something happens at a particularly inconvenient or unsuitable time, place, or manner. While it can be used humorously or sarcastically, the underlying sentiment is still about an undesirable specific circumstance.
'어쩌다' means 'how did it happen?' or 'by what chance?' It expresses surprise at an event but is generally neutral. '하필' specifically highlights an *unfortunate* timing or choice among possibilities, carrying a nuance of regret or annoyance. For example, '어쩌다 이런 일이?' (How did this happen?) is a general question, while '하필 오늘 이런 일이!' (Of all days, this happens today!) expresses specific frustration about the timing.
Generally, no. '하필' is used to express regret or annoyance about something happening at an inconvenient or specific time/place. If something positive happens at an opportune moment, you would use words like '마침' (conveniently) or '때마침' (just in time). However, in a very ironic or self-deprecating way, someone might say '하필 내가 제일 좋을 때...' (Of all times, when I was feeling my best...) to imply that something bad then happened, but the core usage is for negative circumstances.
There isn't a single perfect translation. The closest are phrases like 'of all things,' 'of all days,' 'of all places,' or 'of all people.' The key is that these phrases are used to emphasize a specific, often inconvenient or regrettable, choice or timing.
'하필이면' is an intensified form of '하필.' The addition of '이면' (from '이다' + '-면') adds emphasis, strongly highlighting the specific, unfortunate nature of the situation. It's like saying 'of all the possible things/days/places, it *had* to be this one,' adding a stronger sense of inevitable or targeted bad luck.
Yes, '하필' can be used with people to express regret or annoyance about encountering a specific person at an inconvenient time or in an inconvenient situation. For example, '하필이면 내가 제일 피하고 싶은 사람을 만났어' (Of all people, I ran into the person I most wanted to avoid).
'하필' is an adverb and typically precedes the noun, time phrase, or circumstance it modifies. For instance, '하필 오늘' (of all days, today), '하필 거기' (of all places, there), or '하필 비가 올 때' (of all times, when it's raining).
It conveys emotions like regret, annoyance, frustration, mild exasperation, irony, or resignation. It highlights a feeling that circumstances have conspired against one in a particularly specific and inconvenient way.
'하필' is very common in everyday Korean conversation. It's frequently used to express relatable frustrations and minor misfortunes, making it a widely understood and used word.
While '하필' is common in informal and neutral contexts, it can be used in formal writing if the context appropriately calls for expressing regret about specific timing or circumstances, such as in reports detailing unfortunate events or setbacks. However, its inherent emotional tone makes it less common in highly objective, purely factual formal writing.
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Summary
하필 (hapil) is an adverb used to express regret or annoyance when something undesirable happens at a particularly inconvenient or specific time, place, or in a specific manner, akin to saying 'of all things/days/places.'
- Expresses regret when something happens at the worst possible time or place.
- Means 'of all things/days/places,' highlighting an unfortunate choice or timing.
- Used to convey annoyance or ironic resignation about specific bad luck.
- Common in everyday Korean to describe inconvenient coincidences.
Focus on the Specificity
Remember that '하필' is all about specificity. It's not just bad luck; it's bad luck that happens at the *worst possible moment*, in the *worst possible way*, or involving the *worst possible thing/person*. Emphasize this specific unfortunate element when using the word.
Aspirated 'H'
Ensure you aspirate the 'h' sound in '하필' (hapil). It's a soft, breathy sound at the beginning, not a hard 'h'. Practice saying 'ha-pil' with a slight puff of air.
Relatable Frustrations
Think of '하필' as a tool for expressing those universally relatable moments of frustration where life seems to throw you a curveball at the most inconvenient time. It's about acknowledging those 'why me, why now?' moments.
Placement Matters
The adverb '하필' generally comes before the noun, time, or circumstance it is modifying. Correct placement is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. '하필 오늘' is correct, not '오늘 하필'.
Example
하필 오늘 비가 오네요.
Related Content
More emotions words
받아들이다
A2To accept, to embrace, to take in.
아파하다
A2To feel pain or sorrow.
감탄스럽다
A2To be admirable or wonderful; to inspire awe.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2To admire or to marvel; to express wonder.
기특하다
B1Admirable for a good deed or thought; commendable.
충고
B1Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action; advice.
애정
B1Affection; a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
애틋하다
B2To be tender, fond, or wistful.
살갑다
B2To be warm, friendly, affectionate.
