It can't be helped Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈkænt/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈhɛɫpt

it KANT bee HELPT

UK

ˈɪt/ /kɑːnt/ /bˈiː/ /hˈɛlpt

it KAHNT bee HELPT

Definition

Used to express that a situation is out of anyone’s control and nothing can be done to change it.

Usage & Nuances

Polite, slightly resigned phrase. Often said to comfort someone or acknowledge reality when things go wrong. Similar to "that's just the way it is" or "such is life.” Not used in formal writing.

• Spanish: no hay nada que hacer - no se puede evitar
• Portuguese (BR): não tem jeito - não dá pra evitar
• Portuguese (PT): não há nada a fazer - não se pode evitar
• Chinese (Simplified): 没办法 - 无可奈何
• Chinese (Traditional): 沒辦法 - 無可奈何
• Hindi: कुछ नहीं किया जा सकता
• Arabic: لا يمكن فعل شيء
• Bengali: কিছু করার নেই - এটাই বাস্তবতা
• Russian: ничего не поделаешь - такова жизнь
• Japanese: 仕方がない - しょうがない
• Vietnamese: biết làm sao được - không thể làm gì khác
• Korean: 어쩔 수 없다 - 방법이 없다
• Turkish: yapacak bir şey yok - kader böyle
• Urdu: کیا کیا جا سکتا ہے - بس یہی ہونا تھا
• Indonesian: tidak bisa diapa-apakan - mau bagaimana lagi

Example Sentences

I'm sorry we missed the train, but it can't be helped.

basic

The weather ruined our picnic—it can't be helped.

basic

If you have to leave early, it can't be helped.

basic

Well, my phone broke the day before my trip, but it can't be helped.

natural

We wanted to see the show, but it was sold out—it can't be helped.

natural

The kids made a mess in the kitchen again, but it can't be helped sometimes.

natural