目錄
The Korean word 「하필」 is often translated into Chinese as 「偏偏」 or 「怎麼偏偏」, meaning “of all times,” “of all people,” or “why did it have to be this one?” It expresses the frustration of something happening at an inconvenient time or unexpectedly running into someone you would rather avoid. For example, if your bus is delayed on the day of a job interview or a tourist attraction you specifically planned to visit happens to be closed, 「하필」 is a natural way to express that sense of frustration.
However, 「하필」 is not limited to complaining about bad luck. For example, 「왜 하필 지금?」 can mean more than simply asking “Why now?” It may also question the timing of someone else's decision. The difference between 「하필」 and 「하필이면」, and whether the Chinese word 「偏偏」 can always be translated as 「하필」, depends on whether the sentence describes an unfortunate coincidence or a deliberate choice.
How to use 「하필」: Adverb placement and spacing rules in Korean
The Korean word 「하필」 is an adverb, so it does not undergo conjugation or follow the attachment rules used with verb or adjective stems. The most common structure is 「하필 + time/person/place」, as in 「하필 오늘」, 「하필 그 사람을」, and 「하필 그 시간에」. If the noun following 「하필」 takes a particle, that particle remains attached to the noun rather than to 「하필」.
「하필」 can also appear before an entire clause, as in 「하필 제가 발표할 때 인터넷이 끊겼어요」. Questions often use the pattern 「왜 하필 + time/target」. Meanwhile, 「하필이면」 is a fixed adverb. It does not require the preceding noun or verb to change into an 「-이면」 form. Both 「하필」 and 「하필이면」 must be separated from the following word by a space.
| Attachment type | Structure | Example | Note |
| Time noun | 하필 + time noun | 하필 오늘／하필 지금 | Leave a space between the words; no additional particle is needed |
| Time and location particles | 하필 + noun + 에／에서 | 하필 그 시간에 | The particle attaches to the noun |
| People and other targets | 하필 + noun + 이／가／을／를 | 하필 그 사람을 | Choose the particle according to the noun's grammatical role |
| Complete clause | 하필 + clause | 하필 제가 발표할 때 | Verbs within the clause follow their usual conjugation rules |
| Question | 왜 + 하필 + time/target | 왜 하필 지금? | Write 「왜」 and 「하필」 as separate words |
| Fixed form | 하필이면 + time/target/clause | 하필이면 오늘 | Use 「하필이면」 as a complete adverb without further conjugation |
「하필」 attachment ①｜Can it go directly before a time noun? Where do particles go?
「하필」 most commonly appears before time nouns, such as 「하필 오늘」, 「하필 지금」, and 「하필 그날」. These time expressions can follow 「하필」 directly without adding 「에」 or another particle. If the original sentence requires a time particle, its existing structure remains unchanged. For example, 「그 시간에」 becomes 「하필 그 시간에」. The particle does not attach to 「하필」.
The same rule applies to longer time expressions such as 「면접 날」 and 「제가 발표할 때」. Place 「하필」 before the entire time expression, while keeping the nouns, particles, and verb forms that follow in their usual grammatical forms. Adding 「하필」 does not require changing the sentence pattern.
- Example: 하필 오늘 비가 와요.
Romanization: Ha-pil o-neul bi-ga wa-yo.
Translation: Of all days, it has to rain today.
「오늘」 is a time noun, so you can simply place 「하필」 before it. A space is required between 「하필」 and 「오늘」, but there is no need to add 「에」. - Example: 하필 그 시간에 회의가 잡혔어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu si-ga-ne hoe-ui-ga ja-pyeo-sseo-yo.
Translation: The meeting was scheduled for that exact time, of all times.
「그 시간에」 already follows the structure 「time noun + 에」. After adding 「하필」, the particle still attaches to 「시간」. - Example: 하필 제가 발표할 때 인터넷이 끊겼어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil je-ga bal-pyo-hal ttae in-teo-ne-si kkeun-kyeo-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all times, the internet went down right when I was giving my presentation.
「제가 발표할 때」 is a complete time clause. 「하필」 appears before it, while the verb 「발표하다」 still changes to 「발표할」 according to the usual rules for modifying 「때」.
「하필」 attachment ②｜How does it work with people and particles such as 「이／가」 and 「을／를」?
「하필」 can also appear before people and other nouns, such as 「하필 그 사람」 and 「하필 그 식당」. However, whether the noun needs a particle still depends on its role in the sentence. If it is the object of an action, use 「을／를」. If it is the subject, use 「이／가」 according to the usual grammatical rules.
For example, 「그 사람을 만났어요」 means “I met that person.” Adding 「하필」 gives 「하필 그 사람을 만났어요」. This simply places an additional adverb before the noun; it does not change the grammatical requirement for 「만나다」 to take an object. The presence of 「하필」 does not cause the particle to disappear or change into another form.
- Example: 사람도 많은데 하필 그 사람을 만났어요.
Romanization: Sa-ram-do ma-neun-de ha-pil geu sa-ra-meul man-na-sseo-yo.
Translation: With so many people around, of all people, I ran into that person.
「그 사람」 is the object of the verb 「만나다」, so it takes 「을」. Simply place 「하필」 before 「그 사람을」. - Example: 하필 그 사람이 담당자예요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu sa-ra-mi dam-dang-ja-ye-yo.
Translation: Of all people, that person is the one in charge.
「그 사람」 is the subject of the sentence, so it takes 「이」. Adding 「하필」 before it does not affect the choice of subject particle. - Example: 하필 그 사람과 같은 팀이 됐어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu sa-ram-gwa ga-teun ti-mi dwae-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all people, I ended up on the same team as that person.
「그 사람과」 uses the particle 「과」 to indicate being together with someone. 「하필」 simply goes before this noun phrase, without requiring any adjustment to the particle.
「하필」 attachment ③｜What are the fixed patterns with 「왜 하필」 and 「하필이면」?
「하필」 can be used directly in statements and is also frequently combined with the question word 「왜」 to form 「왜 하필 + time/person/place」. Examples include 「왜 하필 지금?」 and 「왜 하필 그 사람을?」. Here, 「왜」 and 「하필」 are independent words and must be written separately. The remainder of the question follows ordinary Korean grammar.
Another common form is 「하필이면」, which can replace 「하필」 in many sentences, such as 「하필 오늘」 and 「하필이면 오늘」. However, 「하필이면」 must be treated as a complete adverb. It does not mean that a preceding noun needs the ending 「이면」. For example, 「하필이면 면접 날에」 consists of 「하필이면 + 면접 날에」 and has nothing to do with whether the noun 「면접」 should take 「이면」.
- Example: 왜 하필 지금 그 얘기를 해요?
Romanization: Wae ha-pil ji-geum geu yae-gi-reul hae-yo?
Translation: Why bring that up now, of all times?
「왜」 and 「하필」 are written as two separate words, followed by the time noun 「지금」 and the rest of the question. The verb 「하다」 follows its usual polite-form rules and becomes 「해요」. - Example: 하필이면 오늘 식당이 문을 닫았어요.
Romanization: Ha-pi-ri-myeon o-neul sik-dang-i mu-neul da-da-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all days, the restaurant happened to be closed today.
「하필이면」 appears directly before the time noun 「오늘」, with a space between them. The verb 「닫다」 follows the usual past-tense rules and becomes 「닫았어요」, unaffected by 「하필이면」. - Example: 왜 하필이면 그 사람을 선택했어요?
Romanization: Wae ha-pi-ri-myeon geu sa-ra-meul seon-tae-kae-sseo-yo?
Translation: Why did you choose that person, of all people?
「왜 하필이면」 can also be used in questions. 「그 사람」 is the object of 「선택하다」, so it takes 「을」, while the verb retains the usual past-tense question form.
How to use 「하필」 in sentences: Time, people, and questions
The Korean word 「하필」 is most often used to express the feeling of “Why did it have to be this time, this person, or this particular situation?” It can describe an unwanted coincidence or question someone's choice. For example, 「하필 오늘 비가 와요」 expresses frustration that it happens to be raining today, while 「왜 하필 지금 말해요?」 may express annoyance that someone chose the wrong moment to speak.
In practice, the uses of 「하필」 can be divided into five common situations based on what it emphasizes and the speaker's attitude. Although these uses can generally be translated into Chinese as 「偏偏」, some sentences complain about bad luck, while others express dissatisfaction with someone else's decision.
「하필」 usage ①｜When something happens at the worst possible time
The most common use of 「하필」 is to describe something happening at a time when you particularly do not want anything to go wrong. Examples include a bus being delayed on the day of a job interview, discovering that a scheduled tourist attraction is closed, or unexpectedly receiving a work message while on vacation. In all these situations, 「하필」 can express the frustration of unfortunate timing.
The situation does not have to be particularly serious. As long as the speaker feels that “Any other time would have been fine, but this is the worst possible moment,” 「하필」 can be used naturally. That is why expressions such as 「하필 오늘」, 「하필 그날」, and 「하필 그 시간에」 appear frequently in everyday conversation.
- Example: 하필 면접 날에 버스가 늦게 왔어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil myeon-jeop na-re beo-seu-ga neut-ge wa-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all days, the bus was late on the day of my interview.
Being on time is especially important on the day of an interview, yet the bus happened to be delayed. 「하필」 emphasizes that the problem occurred on an important day. - Example: 하필 오늘 식당이 문을 닫았어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil o-neul sik-dang-i mu-neul da-da-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all days, the restaurant was closed today.
If you specifically planned to visit this restaurant today and only discovered that it was closed when you arrived, 「하필」 is a natural way to express your disappointment. - Example: 하필 쉬는 날에 회사에서 연락이 왔어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil swi-neun na-re hoe-sa-e-seo yeol-la-gi wa-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all days, I got a call from work on my day off.
You had hoped to relax on your day off, but work contacted you instead. 「하필」 conveys the frustration of wondering why it had to happen on that particular day.
「하필」 usage ②｜Of all the people or options, ending up with this one
Besides time, 「하필」 can emphasize a particular person, place, or option. For example, you might run into the person you least want to see despite being surrounded by many people, or end up choosing a restaurant you dislike despite having several alternatives.
This use often conveys the feeling that “There were so many other possibilities, so why did it have to be this one?” However, the sentence does not necessarily blame anyone. If the situation was purely coincidental, it may simply express frustration or awkwardness. If someone deliberately chose that option, it may carry dissatisfaction.
- Example: 사람도 많은데 하필 그 사람을 만났어요.
Romanization: Sa-ram-do ma-neun-de ha-pil geu sa-ra-meul man-na-sseo-yo.
Translation: With so many people around, I had to run into that person, of all people.
「그 사람」 refers to someone the speaker particularly cares about or has strong feelings toward. If the preceding context mentions an acquaintance the speaker wanted to avoid, this sentence conveys the awkwardness of unexpectedly meeting that person. - Example: 하필 제가 싫어하는 식당으로 가게 됐어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil je-ga si-reo-ha-neun sik-dang-eu-ro ga-ge dwae-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all places, we ended up going to the restaurant I dislike.
Although other restaurants were available, the final choice was one the speaker did not like. 「하필」 expresses dissatisfaction or frustration with that outcome. - Example: 하필 그 자리만 남았어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu ja-ri-man na-ma-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all the seats, that was the only one left.
If the remaining seat happens to be inconvenient, such as being too far from the stage or uncomfortable to sit in, 「하필」 expresses the frustration of ending up with the least desirable option.
「하필」 usage ③｜Unexpected problems or unfortunate coincidences
Sometimes 「하필」 emphasizes just how unfortunately timed an event is, particularly when an already difficult situation is made worse by another problem. For example, the internet might disconnect during an important presentation, or you might discover that your phone battery is dead when you are rushing out the door. These are situations that can easily make someone say, “Why now, of all times?”
The focus in these sentences is the conflict between what happens and what the speaker needs at that moment. 「하필」 does not mean every event is serious, nor does it imply that someone must have done something wrong. Even an absurd coincidence that makes someone laugh in disbelief can be described with 「하필」 if the speaker feels the timing or outcome is particularly unfortunate.
- Example: 하필 중요한 발표 중에 인터넷이 끊겼어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil jung-yo-han bal-pyo jung-e in-teo-ne-si kkeun-kyeo-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all times, the internet disconnected during an important presentation.
The internet normally works fine, but it suddenly disconnects during an important presentation. 「하필」 conveys how badly timed the incident was. - Example: 하필 급할 때 휴대폰 배터리가 다 됐어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu-pal ttae hyu-dae-pon bae-teo-ri-ga da dwae-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all times, my phone battery died when I was in a hurry.
A dead phone battery is inconvenient enough, but it is even more frustrating when you urgently need to use your phone. 「하필」 adds that sense of frustration to the sentence. - Example: 하필 중요한 파일이 삭제됐어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil jung-yo-han pa-i-ri sak-je-dwae-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all the files, the important one got deleted.
There were many files, but the one affected happened to be important. Here, 「하필」 emphasizes that the particular file involved makes the situation especially troublesome.
「하필」 usage ④｜Using 「왜」 to question the timing or someone's decision
「왜 하필」 is frequently used to ask, “Why this particular time, person, or place?” Compared with an ordinary question using 「왜」, adding 「하필」 usually introduces an extra sense of disbelief or confusion and may even imply criticism.
For example, 「왜 지금 말해요?」 simply asks why someone is bringing something up now. By contrast, 「왜 하필 지금 말해요?」 may express frustration that the person chose an inappropriate time. However, the tone of this type of question still depends on how it is spoken. Among friends, it may be nothing more than a casual complaint, while colleagues or people who are not close may feel that their judgment is being questioned.
- Example: 왜 하필 지금 그 얘기를 해요?
Romanization: Wae ha-pil ji-geum geu yae-gi-reul hae-yo?
Translation: Why bring that up now, of all times?
If the speaker is busy or the topic is inappropriate for the moment, the sentence may sound impatient. - Example: 왜 하필 그 사람한테 부탁했어요?
Romanization: Wae ha-pil geu sa-ram-han-te bu-tak-hae-sseo-yo?
Translation: Why did you ask that person, of all people?
The speaker may believe that someone else would have been more suitable and therefore cannot understand why that person was chosen. The question may also sound critical to the listener. - Example: 왜 하필 여기서 만나자고 했어요?
Romanization: Wae ha-pil yeo-gi-seo man-na-ja-go hae-sseo-yo?
Translation: Why did you suggest meeting here, of all places?
If the location is inconvenient or there is another reason the speaker does not want to meet there, 「왜 하필」 expresses confusion about the choice of meeting place.
「하필」 usage ⑤｜Expressing “Why did it have to be this one?” in exclamations
「하필」 also frequently appears in short exclamations and does not always need to be followed by a complete action or statement. Expressions such as 「하필 오늘이라니」 and 「하필 그 사람이라니」 can convey the speaker's surprise or frustration even without explaining exactly what happened.
These expressions are common in conversations between friends and in drama dialogue. The endings 「-이라니／-라니」 already convey surprise or disbelief, and adding 「하필」 makes the feeling of “Why this one, of all possibilities?” even more apparent. It does not necessarily indicate anger; the speaker may simply be stunned by an unexpected coincidence.
- Example: 하필 오늘이라니!
Romanization: Ha-pil o-neu-ri-ra-ni!
Translation: Why did it have to be today, of all days!
This exclamation can be used when you hear that something has been scheduled for today, which happens to be the most inconvenient day. Even without describing the entire event, its meaning can be understood from the context. - Example: 하필 그 사람이라니!
Romanization: Ha-pil geu sa-ra-mi-ra-ni!
Translation: That person, of all people!
This can be used when you unexpectedly discover that the person responsible for something is someone you had hoped to avoid. The tone may express surprise or dissatisfaction. - Example: 하필이면 지금이라니!
Romanization: Ha-pi-ri-myeon ji-geu-mi-ra-ni!
Translation: Why now, of all times!
「하필이면」 can also be used in this type of exclamation. Rather than calmly stating when something happened, the expression communicates the speaker's immediate shock or frustration more directly.
Comparing 「하필」 with 「굳이」, 「어차피」, and 「공교롭게도」
The Korean expressions 「하필」, 「하필이면」, 「굳이」, 「어차피」, and 「공교롭게도」 can all appear in situations where things do not go as expected, but they convey different meanings. 「하필」 expresses frustration that a particular time or target turned out to be especially inconvenient. 「하필이면」 has a similar meaning and often carries a more noticeable sense of exasperation. 「굳이」, on the other hand, questions whether a particular choice or action is necessary.
「어차피」 generally means that a particular outcome will remain the same regardless of what someone does, while 「공교롭게도」 describes an unexpected coincidence. The Chinese word 「偏偏」 is especially important here: sometimes it describes accidentally running into trouble, while at other times it refers to someone deliberately making a particular choice. Not every use of 「偏偏」 can therefore be translated as 「하필」.
| Comparison | 하필 | 하필이면 | 굳이 | 어차피 | 공교롭게도 |
| Basic meaning | Of all times/people/things; why did it have to be this one? | Of all times/people/things; why this one? | Why bother; deliberately; insist on | Anyway; in any case | Coincidentally; as it happens; unfortunately, by coincidence |
| Main focus | A particular time or target feels especially unfortunate | Emphasizes ending up in a particular unfortunate situation | Whether there is any need to deliberately do something | The outcome is largely the same regardless of the choice made | An unexpected coincidence |
| Nature of the situation | An unexpected or undesirable time, target, or choice | Essentially the same as 「하필」 | Usually involves an action someone can choose | A situation known or believed to be difficult to change | Something that happens by chance |
| Does it involve a deliberate choice? | Not necessarily; can describe accidents | Not necessarily | Often involves actively choosing or insisting on something | Not necessarily | Usually does not emphasize deliberate choice |
| Speaker's perspective | Wonders why it had to be this particular one | Expresses frustration at how unfortunate the situation is | Thinks the action may not be necessary | Accepts or takes an existing situation into account | Points out that something happened coincidentally |
| Common emotions | Frustration, discomfort, dissatisfaction, surprise | Frustration, exasperation, complaint | Doubt or confusion; can also be neutral emphasis | Resignation, acceptance, decision-making | Surprise or unexpectedness; sometimes frustration |
| Can it describe positive situations? | Yes, but usually requires special context | Yes, but usually requires special context | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can it be substituted directly? | Often interchangeable with 「하필이면」 | Often interchangeable with 「하필」 | Usually not | Usually not | Sometimes, but the nuance changes |
| Common combinations | 하필 오늘／왜 하필 | 하필이면 오늘 | 굳이 지금／굳이 그렇게 | 어차피 내일／어차피 해야 하다 | 공교롭게도 같은 날 |
| Example | 하필 오늘 비가 와요. | 하필이면 오늘 비가 와요. | 굳이 지금 가야 해요? | 어차피 내일 다시 와야 해요. | 공교롭게도 같은 날 비가 왔어요. |
| Example nuance | Of all days, it rains today. What bad timing. | Why does it have to rain today, of all days? | Is it really necessary to go right now? | I have to come back tomorrow anyway. | Coincidentally, it rained on the same day. |
▌「하필」 vs 「하필이면」｜Pointing out bad timing vs expressing stronger exasperation
「하필」 and 「하필이면」 have very similar meanings. Both can express the feeling of “Why did it have to be this particular time, person, or option?” There is no clear-cut division between the situations in which they can be used, and replacing one with the other often does not change the main meaning. The difference usually lies in the rhythm of speech and the degree of exasperation. 「하필」 points more directly to what is unfortunate, while 「하필이면」 may make the feeling of “How could the timing be so bad?” more noticeable when expressing surprise or frustration.
However, it would be inaccurate to treat 「하필」 as invariably weaker and 「하필이면」 as invariably stronger. In actual conversation, intonation and context have a greater influence. Sometimes replacing 「하필」 with 「하필이면」 simply reflects the speaker's personal speaking habits, with no meaningful difference in emotion.
- Example: 하필 오늘 비가 와요.
Romanization: Ha-pil o-neul bi-ga wa-yo.
Translation: Of all days, it has to rain today.
「하필」 directly highlights how unfortunate it is that rain has fallen today. If outdoor activities had been planned for today, the sentence would convey disappointment or frustration. - Example: 하필이면 오늘 비가 와요.
Romanization: Ha-pi-ri-myeon o-neul bi-ga wa-yo.
Translation: Why does it have to rain today, of all days?
Changing the expression to 「하필이면」 does not significantly alter its meaning. However, when spoken with an exasperated tone, it can more readily convey the feeling that it could have rained on any other day, but somehow it had to be today.
▌「하필」 vs 「굳이」｜An unfortunate coincidence vs questioning a deliberate choice
Both 「하필」 and 「굳이」 can correspond to the Chinese word 「偏偏」, but the difference lies in how the event occurred. 「하필」 generally indicates that a particular time, person, or result is especially inconvenient or troublesome, even if the event was entirely accidental. 「굳이」 is often used to question whether an action is truly necessary, particularly when other options are available but someone chooses to act that way anyway.
For example, if there are many restaurants but you happen to end up at one you dislike, 「하필」 can express your frustration. However, if someone insists on going to that restaurant and you want to ask, “Do we really have to go to that particular place?”, 「굳이」 is more suitable. Still, 「굳이」 is not inherently negative. The expression 「굳이 말하자면」, for instance, can simply mean “if I had to put it into words,” without implying blame.
- Example: 하필 그 식당에 가게 됐어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu sik-dang-e ga-ge dwae-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all places, we ended up going to that restaurant.
The speaker feels frustrated about the restaurant they ended up visiting. The choice may have been made after a group discussion, or they may simply have walked into the restaurant by chance. 「하필」 does not indicate that anyone deliberately arranged the situation. - Example: 굳이 그 식당에 가야 해요?
Romanization: Gu-ji geu sik-dang-e ga-ya hae-yo?
Translation: Do we really have to go to that particular restaurant?
This question challenges the necessity of the choice. If other restaurants are available, why insist on this one? Compared with 「하필」, 「굳이」 places the focus more explicitly on someone's decision.
▌「하필」 vs 「어차피」｜Complaining about bad timing vs accepting an unavoidable outcome
Both 「하필」 and 「어차피」 can convey frustration or resignation, but the speaker is concerned with different things. 「하필」 expresses frustration that a particular time or target is especially inconvenient, implying that the situation might have been less troublesome at another time or under different circumstances. 「어차피」 indicates that a certain result will not change regardless of the choice made, so it is frequently used when explaining plans or decisions about what to do next.
For example, 「하필 내일 다시 와야 해요」 emphasizes that tomorrow is an inconvenient day to return. In contrast, 「어차피 내일 다시 와야 해요」 means that you have to come back tomorrow anyway. The first sentence focuses on “Why tomorrow, of all days?”, while the second is concerned with what to do now, given that returning tomorrow is already necessary.
- Example: 하필 내일 다시 와야 해요.
Romanization: Ha-pil nae-il da-si wa-ya hae-yo.
Translation: Of all days, I have to come back tomorrow.
The speaker may already have other plans tomorrow, or tomorrow may be the most inconvenient day to return. 「하필」 expresses frustration about the specified date. - Example: 어차피 내일 다시 와야 해요.
Romanization: Eo-cha-pi nae-il da-si wa-ya hae-yo.
Translation: I have to come back tomorrow anyway.
This sentence does not particularly complain about tomorrow being inconvenient. Instead, it treats the need to return tomorrow as an established fact. For example, if some tasks remain unfinished today, they can be left until tomorrow because the speaker was already planning to return then.
▌「하필」 vs 「공교롭게도」｜Feeling frustrated by a coincidence vs describing an unexpected coincidence
Both 「하필」 and 「공교롭게도」 can describe unexpected coincidences, but they convey different attitudes toward the event. 「하필」 usually includes the speaker's personal reaction to a particular outcome, especially the feeling of “Why did I have to end up in this situation?” By contrast, 「공교롭게도」 emphasizes that something happened by coincidence and that the coincidence was unexpected. It does not necessarily indicate dissatisfaction with the result.
For example, if you unexpectedly run into someone you would rather avoid, you can use 「하필」 to express frustration or 「공교롭게도」 to describe the coincidence. Switching to 「공교롭게도」 puts more emphasis on the unexpected encounter itself. The expression can also be used when two people unexpectedly discover that they share the same birthday, even if they are happy about the coincidence.
- Example: 하필 그 사람을 만났어요.
Romanization: Ha-pil geu sa-ra-meul man-na-sseo-yo.
Translation: Of all people, I ran into that person.
「하필」 implies that the person was not someone the speaker wanted to meet. If it was someone they had previously argued with, the sentence could convey the awkwardness of running into that person unexpectedly. - Example: 공교롭게도 그 사람을 만났어요.
Romanization: Gong-gyo-rop-ge-do geu sa-ra-meul man-na-sseo-yo.
Translation: Unexpectedly, I happened to run into that person.
This sentence emphasizes the coincidence of the encounter. The person might be someone the speaker wanted to avoid, or a friend they had not seen in a long time. 「공교롭게도」 alone does not reveal whether the speaker found the encounter troublesome.
▌How different expressions change the nuance in the same situation
Suppose an outdoor photo shoot has already been scheduled for tomorrow, but the weather forecast suddenly predicts rain. Although the situation is the same—rain is expected tomorrow—the speaker's attitude changes depending on whether they use 「하필」, 「하필이면」, 「굳이」, 「어차피」, or 「공교롭게도」.
「하필」 and 「하필이면」 focus on the unfortunate coincidence of rain falling on the scheduled shoot day. 「굳이」 questions whether it is necessary to insist on going ahead with the shoot despite the expected rain. 「어차피」 treats the rain as an established condition that needs to be considered when discussing plans. 「공교롭게도」 describes the coincidence of the shoot date and the rainy weather.
- Example: 하필 내일 비가 온대요.
Romanization: Ha-pil nae-il bi-ga on-dae-yo.
Translation: Apparently, it's going to rain tomorrow, of all days.
An important shoot is scheduled for tomorrow, but the weather happens to be unfavorable. 「하필」 emphasizes that the rain is expected on a particularly inconvenient day, conveying frustration or disappointment. - Example: 하필이면 내일 비가 온대요.
Romanization: Ha-pi-ri-myeon nae-il bi-ga on-dae-yo.
Translation: Why does it have to rain tomorrow, of all days?
The situation is exactly the same as in the previous example; only the expression has changed to 「하필이면」. When spoken with an exasperated tone, it can more readily convey the feeling that any other day would have been fine, but the rain had to fall on the day of the shoot. - Example: 굳이 비 오는 날에 촬영해야 해요?
Romanization: Gu-ji bi o-neun na-re chwa-ryeong-hae-ya hae-yo?
Translation: Do we really have to shoot on a rainy day?
This sentence goes beyond complaining about the weather and questions the filming arrangements. If rain is expected, could the shoot be rescheduled? 「굳이」 shifts the focus to the decision to proceed with the shoot. - Example: 어차피 내일 비가 온다니까 촬영을 미루죠.
Romanization: Eo-cha-pi nae-il bi-ga on-da-ni-kka chwa-ryeong-eul mi-ru-jyo.
Translation: Since it's going to rain tomorrow anyway, let's postpone the shoot.
「어차피」 treats tomorrow's rain as something already known and unlikely to change in the short term. The speaker therefore suggests postponing the shoot. The sentence does not specifically complain about why it has to rain tomorrow. - Example: 공교롭게도 촬영하는 날 비가 온대요.
Romanization: Gong-gyo-rop-ge-do chwa-ryeong-ha-neun nal bi-ga on-dae-yo.
Translation: Coincidentally, it's supposed to rain on the day of the shoot.
「공교롭게도」 explains that the shoot date and the rainy weather happen to coincide. This may be inconvenient, but the sentence emphasizes the coincidence itself rather than directly expressing the frustration conveyed by 「하필」.
Everyday Korean conversations with 「하필」: Travel, work, and friends
In everyday Korean conversation, 「하필」 is often used to express the feeling of “Why did it have to be this time, this person, or this particular thing?” For example, it can convey frustration when a tourist attraction turns out to be closed during a trip, a work meeting conflicts with an existing appointment, or a friend brings up an old issue at an inappropriate moment. However, 「하필」 can sometimes suggest dissatisfaction, particularly when combined with 「왜」, which can make a question sound more like “Why did you have to do that?” It is generally natural when friends use it to complain casually, but when speaking to a shop employee, supervisor, or someone you do not know well, it is important to consider whether the other person might feel blamed.
▌Situation ①｜Traveling in Korea: The attraction you wanted to visit happens to be closed today
A：여기 오늘 휴무래요.
Yeo-gi o-neul hyu-mu-rae-yo.
Apparently, this place is closed today.
B：하필 오늘이요? 내일은 못 오는데.
Ha-pil o-neu-ri-yo? Nae-i-reun mot o-neun-de.
Today, of all days? I can't come back tomorrow.
📌 Grammar Point: 「하필 오늘이요?」 is a very natural exclamation in everyday conversation, similar to saying “Why today, of all days?” B had planned to visit the attraction today but happened to arrive on a day when it was closed, so 「하필」 conveys disappointment and frustration. The ending 「-이요」 keeps the expression polite, but that does not mean it is appropriate to use the question directly to challenge a staff member. If you simply want to confirm whether the attraction is closed, 「오늘은 휴무인가요?」 (Is this place closed today?) sounds more natural and avoids making the employee feel blamed.
▌Situation ②｜At work: A meeting conflicts with an existing appointment
A：내일 오후 세 시에 회의가 생겼어요.
Nae-il o-hu se si-e hoe-ui-ga saeng-gyeo-sseo-yo.
A meeting has suddenly come up tomorrow at 3 p.m.
B：하필 그 시간에요? 병원 예약이 있는데요.
Ha-pil geu si-ga-ne-yo? Byeong-won ye-ya-gi in-neun-de-yo.
That time, of all times? I already have a doctor's appointment then.
📌 Grammar Point: 「하필 그 시간에요?」 does not emphasize the meeting itself, but rather the fact that it has been scheduled for the exact time of an existing appointment. Compared with simply asking 「그 시간에요?」 (At that time?), adding 「하필」 makes it clear that B is troubled by the arrangement. This is generally not a major issue when speaking with a familiar colleague, but saying it directly to a supervisor or the person who scheduled the meeting may sound somewhat dissatisfied. To negotiate a different time politely, you could say 「그 시간에는 병원 예약이 있어서요. 혹시 시간을 조정할 수 있을까요?」 (I have a doctor's appointment at that time. Would it be possible to adjust the meeting time?).
▌Situation ③｜A friend brings up an old issue at the wrong moment
A：그때 일 아직 기억나?
Geu-ttae il a-jik gi-eong-na?
Do you still remember what happened back then?
B：왜 하필 지금 그 얘기를 해? 나중에 하자.
Wae ha-pil ji-geum geu yae-gi-reul hae? Na-jung-e ha-ja.
Why bring that up now, of all times? Let's talk about it later.
📌 Grammar Point: 「왜 하필 지금」 is more likely to convey impatience than simply saying 「왜 지금」. B is not necessarily confused about why the friend brought up the subject, but feels that now is not an appropriate time to discuss it. 「하필」 focuses attention on 「지금」, while the opening 「왜」 gives the sentence a questioning, potentially confrontational tone. If you simply want to ask your friend to talk later in a calm way, you can say 「그 얘기는 나중에 하자」 (Let's talk about that later). Without 「왜 하필」, the sentence no longer directly questions why the other person chose that moment to speak.
Additional usage notes:
- 「하필」 does not always need to be combined with 「왜」. It can also be used directly in ordinary statements or short exclamations. For example, 「하필 오늘 비가 와요」 means that, of all days, it happens to be raining today, while 「하필 오늘이요?」 expresses surprise at the date. Both convey unfortunate timing, but the second is a question and therefore presents the speaker's immediate reaction more directly. If you are simply complaining about bad luck to a friend traveling with you, there is no need to add 「왜」 every time.
- 「하필」 and 「하필이면」 can be used interchangeably in most everyday situations. For example, 「하필 오늘이요?」 can also be expressed as 「하필이면 오늘이요?」, with both conveying “Why today, of all days?” When spoken with an exasperated tone, 「하필이면」 may make the frustration more noticeable, but there is no fixed difference in intensity. How dissatisfied the speaker actually sounds depends on their tone and what is happening at the time.
- When traveling in Korea or communicating at work, 「하필」 itself is not an impolite word. What matters is who you are speaking to and what the sentence means. It is natural to complain to a friend about a closed tourist attraction by saying 「하필 오늘이야?」. However, if you say 「왜 하필 오늘 쉬어요?」 (Why are you closed today, of all days?) directly to an employee, they may feel that you are questioning or blaming them. Similarly, 「하필 그 시간에요?」 can express frustration about a scheduling conflict to a colleague, but when formally negotiating a time change, directly explaining your existing commitment is usually more appropriate. Even adding the polite ending 「-요」 does not completely remove the complaint or criticism that 「하필」 may convey.
Understanding Korean 「하필」 through the Japanese expression 「よりによって」
The Korean word 「하필」 is very similar to the Japanese expression 「よりによって」. Both convey the feeling of “There are so many possible times, people, or options, so why did it have to be this one?” For example, when it suddenly rains on an important day, you unexpectedly encounter someone you do not want to see, or someone chooses an inappropriate moment to bring up a sensitive topic, both languages can naturally express the frustration of the situation.
However, the Japanese expression 「よりによって」 more readily suggests that someone chose a particular option despite having other alternatives. Sometimes it can also convey a stronger sense of blame toward someone's choice. Korean 「하필」 can likewise express dissatisfaction, but it is also commonly used simply to lament unfortunate timing, without necessarily suggesting that anyone deliberately made a choice.
◆ Similar grammar: 「よりによって」
The Japanese expression 「よりによって」 is often used when a particular time, person, or option is especially unexpected. In Chinese, it can generally be translated as 「偏偏」, 「怎麼偏偏」, or 「千挑萬選卻選了……」. It can describe uncontrollable coincidences or question why someone made a particular choice. Like the Korean 「하필」, it does not necessarily require strong emotion, but it usually suggests that the speaker is not pleased with the outcome.
- Example: よりによって今日雨が降るなんて。
Kana: よりによってきょうあめがふるなんて。
Translation: Of all days, why does it have to rain today?
In Korean, this can be expressed as 「하필 오늘 비가 오다니」. Both sentences express frustration that the rain has come at a particularly inconvenient time. If outdoor activities were planned for today, they convey the feeling that any other day would have been fine, but the rain had to fall today. The Japanese 「なんて」 and the Korean 「-다니」 also both convey surprise or exasperation. - Example: よりによって、あの人に会うなんて。
Kana: よりによって、あのひとにあうなんて。
Translation: Of all people, why did I have to run into that person?
In Korean, this can be expressed as 「하필 그 사람을 만나다니」. Both sentences imply that the person encountered was not someone the speaker wanted to see. It might be an ex-partner they have not contacted for a long time or an acquaintance with whom they previously had an unpleasant experience. The encounter does not have to have been deliberately arranged. These expressions can be used naturally when the coincidence itself feels particularly unfortunate. - Example: よりによって今その話をするの？
Kana: よりによっていまそのはなしをするの？
Translation: Why bring that up now, of all times?
In Korean, this can be expressed as 「왜 하필 지금 그 얘기를 해?」. This pair of sentences is more likely to sound confrontational than the previous two because the speaker is questioning another person's actions. Both the Japanese 「よりによって今」 and the Korean 「왜 하필 지금」 imply that now is not an appropriate time to discuss the subject, and both may convey dissatisfaction to the listener.
◆ Differences from 「하필」:
The Japanese 「よりによって」 and the Korean 「하필」 generally correspond to each other when describing an unfortunate time, person, or option. For example, 「よりによって今日？」 is very close to 「하필 오늘?」, with both conveying the feeling of “Why today, of all days?”
However, 「よりによって」 often suggests that more suitable alternatives were available. Especially when commenting on another person's actions, it can sound more critical than simply pointing out unfortunate timing. Although Korean 「하필」 can be used this way too, a sentence such as 「하필 오늘 비가 오네요」 simply expresses frustration that the weather has turned bad today. Nobody has made a choice.
Also, the Japanese 「よりによって」 should not automatically be understood as meaning “deliberately.” For example, 「よりによってあの人を選ぶなんて」 expresses disbelief about the person selected and may imply that the choice was inappropriate. It does not necessarily mean the other person deliberately acted against someone's wishes. The Korean 「하필 그 사람을 선택하다니」 conveys a similar feeling. If the intended meaning is specifically that someone insists on doing something despite having been advised against it, Korean may require 「굳이」, while Japanese may call for expressions such as 「わざわざ」 depending on the context. Neither 「하필」 nor 「よりによって」 alone necessarily means deliberately ignoring advice.
Understanding Korean 「하필」 through the Japanese expression 「〜に限って」
The Japanese expression 「〜に限って」 can also often be translated using the Korean 「하필」, particularly when something troublesome happens at a specific time. For example, 「急いでいる時に限って、電車が遅れる」 means that the train is late just when you are in a hurry, which is very close to the Korean 「하필 급할 때 전철이 늦어요」.
The difference is that 「하필」 can refer directly to a single unfortunate event, while the Japanese 「〜に限って」 often describes situations where something that normally does not happen goes wrong under particular circumstances. It can sometimes suggest that similar experiences have happened repeatedly. However, 「〜に限って」 does not only express bad luck. It can also communicate trust in a particular person or restrict something to a specific occasion. These uses cannot be translated directly as 「하필」.
◆ Similar grammar: 「〜に限って」
The Japanese expression 「〜に限って」 attaches to nouns, as in 「大事な日に限って」, 「急いでいる時に限って」, and 「休みの日に限って」. When followed by an unexpected or unwanted event, it conveys the feeling of “Why does this have to happen at a time like this?”
The expression often carries a complaint along the lines of “Everything is usually fine, so why does something always go wrong in this situation?” If you are describing a single unfortunate incident, Korean 「하필」 can be used. However, if you want to emphasize that problems tend to arise whenever a particular situation occurs, Korean expressions such as 「꼭」, 「-기만 하면」, and 「-ㄹ 때마다」 may be needed to preserve the original nuance.
- Example: 急いでいる時に限って、電車が遅れる。
Kana: いそいでいるときにかぎって、でんしゃがおくれる。
Translation: The train is always late just when I'm in a hurry.
To describe a single incident in Korean, you can say 「하필 급할 때 전철이 늦어요」. If you are complaining that the train seems to be delayed every time you are in a hurry, you can say 「급할 때만 되면 꼭 전철이 늦어요」. In this context, the Japanese 「〜に限って」 can suggest repeatedly experiencing the same bad luck, while Korean 「하필」 does not necessarily carry that additional meaning. - Example: 大事な日に限って雨が降る。
Kana: だいじなひにかぎってあめがふる。
Translation: It always seems to rain on important days.
In Korean, you can say 「하필 중요한 날에 비가 와요」. Both sentences emphasize how unfortunate the timing of the rain is. However, the Japanese 「大事な日に限って」 can readily suggest the experience of generally having good weather except on important days, when rain seems particularly likely. If you have just discovered that it is raining today, 「하필 중요한 날에 비가 오네요」 sounds natural in Korean. - Example: 休みの日に限って、会社から電話が来る。
Kana: やすみのひにかぎって、かいしゃからでんわがくる。
Translation: Work always seems to call on my days off.
In Korean, you can say 「하필 쉬는 날에 회사에서 전화가 와요」. If you are describing a sudden work call during this particular vacation, the two sentences can correspond in that context. However, using 「〜に限って」 in Japanese can also give the impression that the situation happens frequently. To express “This happens every time I take a day off,” the Korean 「쉬는 날마다 꼭 회사에서 전화가 와요」 more closely conveys the repeated nature of the experience.
◆ Differences from 「하필」:
The main overlap between the Japanese 「〜に限って」 and the Korean 「하필」 is their ability to describe something unwanted happening at a particular time. For example, both 「急いでいる時に限って、電車が遅れる」 and 「하필 급할 때 전철이 늦어요」 can express the frustration of experiencing a transport delay when you are in a hurry.
However, 「〜に限って」 is not always about complaining about bad luck. For instance, 「彼に限って、そんなことをするはずがない」 means that this particular person would never do such a thing. It expresses trust in that person. This cannot be translated as 「하필 그 사람」 because the Korean expression is more likely to suggest “Why that person, of all people?”, which conveys a completely different meaning. To preserve the Japanese nuance, you can say 「그 사람만큼은 그런 일을 할 리가 없어요」 in Korean.
Similarly, 「今回に限って、特別に認めます」 means “I'll make a special exception this time only.” It restricts the permission to a particular occasion and cannot be expressed using 「하필」. Korean instead requires an expression such as 「이번에 한해서 특별히 허락하겠습니다」.
Therefore, when encountering the Japanese 「〜に限って」, you should not automatically translate it as 「하필」 simply because the Chinese translation contains 「偏偏」. If the sentence describes unfortunate timing or an unexpected event, the two expressions can generally correspond. However, if it emphasizes that a particular person would never do something or means “this time only,” a different Korean expression is needed.
When comparing these three expressions, an easier approach is to first identify what the sentence is describing. Both 「하필」 and 「よりによって」 can directly highlight an unfortunate time or target. In contrast, 「〜に限って」 often contrasts a particular situation with others and can also express trust or restrict the scope of a statement. Although Chinese translations may use 「偏偏」 or 「唯獨」 for all three, the Japanese and Korean expressions do not have exactly the same range of uses.
The Korean 「하필」 is commonly used to point out a particularly inconvenient time, person, or option. 「하필 그 시간에」 indicates that something happened or overlapped at that exact time, while 「왜 하필 지금?」 may convey dissatisfaction with the timing. Replacing 「하필」 with 「하필이면」 generally preserves the meaning, although the actual tone still depends on the context and how the sentence is spoken.
The Chinese 「偏偏」 can also describe someone deliberately refusing to follow advice. In such cases, 「하필」 may not be appropriate. If the meaning is that an inconvenient event occurred by chance, 「하필」 is worth considering. However, if the emphasis is on someone insisting on a particular action despite having other choices, 「굳이」 is usually closer to the intended meaning.
FAQs
「하필」 is an adverb meaning “of all times,” “of all people,” or “why did it have to be this one?” It describes something happening at an inconvenient time or unexpectedly encountering a particular person, place, or situation. It often conveys frustration, surprise, or dissatisfaction.
「하필」 is an adverb, so it does not need to be conjugated or attached to a verb stem. It usually appears before a time expression, person, place, or clause, as in 「하필 오늘」, 「하필 그 사람을」, and 「하필 제가 발표할 때」. It must be written separately from the following word.
Both mean “of all times/people/things” and can be used interchangeably in most situations. 「하필」 directly identifies an unfortunate time or target, while 「하필이면」 may make the speaker's exasperation or frustration more noticeable. However, it is not necessarily stronger. The actual nuance depends on the context and how it is spoken.
「왜 하필」 means “Why this particular one?” or “Why now, of all times?” It is often used to question a particular time, person, or choice. For example, 「왜 하필 지금?」 means “Why now, of all times?” Compared with simply using 「왜」, it is more likely to convey confusion, frustration, or criticism.
「하필」 emphasizes that a particular time, person, or outcome is especially unfortunate and does not necessarily involve a deliberate choice. 「굳이」 focuses on whether there is a need to deliberately do something. For example, 「하필 그 사람을 만났어요」 means that, of all people, you happened to meet that person, while 「굳이 그 사람을 만나야 해요?」 asks whether it is really necessary to meet that particular person.
「하필」 expresses frustration about an inconvenient time or situation. 「어차피」 means “anyway” or “in any case” and generally treats an outcome as something already known or difficult to change. For example, 「하필 내일 다시 와야 해요」 means “Of all days, I have to come back tomorrow,” while 「어차피 내일 다시 와야 해요」 means “I have to come back tomorrow anyway.”
They can be interchangeable in some situations, but their nuances differ. 「하필」 usually conveys frustration or dissatisfaction with an unfortunate situation, while 「공교롭게도」 emphasizes an unexpected coincidence and can describe both positive and negative events. Even when they describe the same event, switching expressions may change the speaker's perceived attitude.
Yes, but it usually requires a particular context. 「하필」 inherently conveys a sense of “Why this one, of all possibilities?” and often appears in situations that do not go as expected. When used for positive events, it may convey unexpected surprise, humor, or irony. The intended meaning must still be determined from the context.
Yes. It frequently appears in Korean dramas, conversations between friends, and everyday speech. For example, 「하필 오늘이야?」 means “Why today, of all days?” However, using 「왜 하필」 directly with supervisors, shop employees, or people you do not know well may sound accusatory, so the tone requires attention.
No. 「하필」 is suitable when a time, person, or outcome is particularly unfortunate. However, the Chinese sentence 「叫他別去，他偏偏要去」 means that someone insists on going despite being told not to. In this situation, expressions such as 「굳이」 should be considered according to the intended meaning. It cannot automatically be translated using 「하필」.
They are very similar, and both can express “Why this particular time or person?” For example, 「하필 오늘?」 corresponds closely to 「よりによって今日？」. However, 「よりによって」 often carries the additional feeling that other options were available, yet this particular one was chosen. The actual emotional nuance still depends on the context.
Both can describe problems occurring at a particularly inconvenient time. However, 「〜に限って」 may also suggest that similar incidents happen repeatedly. In addition, the Japanese expression can mean that a particular person would never do something or that an exception applies “this time only.” These meanings cannot be translated directly into Korean using 「하필」.