Shit happens Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈʃɪt/ /ˈhæpənz

SHIT HAP-enz

UK

ʃˈɪt/ /hˈæpənz

shit HAP-enz

Definition

An informal and slightly vulgar way to say that bad or unlucky things sometimes happen and there's nothing you can do about it.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and mildly vulgar; mainly used in casual conversation. Similar in meaning to 'that's life' but ruder. Avoid in formal settings. 'Shit happens' expresses acceptance of bad luck or problems beyond your control.

• Spanish: así es la vida - las cosas pasan (vulgar)
• Portuguese (BR): acontece - acontece merda (vulgar)
• Portuguese (PT): acontece - a merda acontece (vulgar)
• Chinese (Simplified): 人生总有不如意的时候（粗俗） - 糟糕的事就是会发生
• Chinese (Traditional): 人生總有不如意的時候（粗俗） - 糟糕的事就是會發生
• Hindi: ऐसा हो जाता है (अशिष्ट)
• Arabic: تحدث أشياء سيئة (كلمة نابية)
• Bengali: এমনটা হয় - বাজে কিছু ঘটে - জীবন এমনই
• Russian: всё бывает - дерьмо случается
• Japanese: しょうがないこともある - 仕方ないけど悪いことも起こる
• Vietnamese: chuyện tồi tệ xảy ra - đời mà
• Korean: 어쩔 수 없지 - 세상일이 다 그렇지
• Turkish: olur böyle şeyler - kötü şeyler de olur
• Urdu: ایسا ہو جاتا ہے - بُری باتیں کبھی کبھار ہو جاتی ہیں
• Indonesian: hal buruk terjadi - kadang hidup memang begitu

Example Sentences

Sometimes, shit happens and you just have to move on.

basic

I missed my bus, but oh well, shit happens.

basic

You can't control everything. Shit happens sometimes.

basic

We did our best, but shit happens—don’t beat yourself up.

natural

Lost your wallet? Yeah, shit happens—just cancel your cards.

natural

I know you’re upset, but remember, shit happens to everyone eventually.

natural