It can't be helped Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈkænt/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈhɛɫpt
it KANT bee HELPT
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 evitarPortuguese (BR): não tem jeito - não dá pra evitarPortuguese (PT): não há nada a fazer - não se pode evitarChinese (Simplified): 没办法 - 无可奈何Chinese (Traditional): 沒辦法 - 無可奈何Hindi: कुछ नहीं किया जा सकताArabic: لا يمكن فعل شيءBengali: কিছু করার নেই - এটাই বাস্তবতাRussian: ничего не поделаешь - такова жизньJapanese: 仕方がない - しょうがないVietnamese: biết làm sao được - không thể làm gì khácKorean: 어쩔 수 없다 - 방법이 없다Turkish: yapacak bir şey yok - kader böyleUrdu: کیا کیا جا سکتا ہے - بس یہی ہونا تھاIndonesian: 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