What can i say Meaning in English

expression

US

WUHT-kan-eye-SAY or WUHT-kuhn-eye-SAY

UK

WOT-kan-eye-SAY

Definition

A phrase said when you feel there is nothing appropriate or helpful left to say, often used after something surprising, disappointing, or unavoidable has happened.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used to express resignation, surprise, or acceptance of a situation. Usually rhetorical; does not expect a real answer. Commonly appears after awkward, disappointing, or out-of-your-control events.

• Spanish: ¿qué puedo decir?
• Portuguese (BR): o que posso dizer?
• Portuguese (PT): o que posso dizer?
• Chinese (Simplified): 我还能说什么呢？
• Chinese (Traditional): 我還能說什麼呢？
• Hindi: मैं क्या कहूँ
• Arabic: ماذا يمكنني أن أقول؟
• Bengali: আমি কী বলবো - আর কী-ই বা বলি
• Russian: что я могу сказать - что тут скажешь
• Japanese: 何と言えばいいのか - 仕方ないね
• Vietnamese: biết nói gì đây - tôi biết nói gì bây giờ
• Korean: 뭐라고 할 수 있겠어 - 뭐라 하겠어
• Turkish: ne diyebilirim ki - ne desem boş
• Urdu: میں کیا کہوں
• Indonesian: apa boleh dikata - mau bilang apa

Example Sentences

Well, what can I say? Mistakes happen.

basic

You did your best. What can I say?

basic

She forgot my birthday again. What can I say?

basic

I dropped my coffee all over the report. What can I say? It happens.

natural

My team lost again—what can I say? That’s life.

natural

If things go wrong, what can I say? We tried our best.

natural