Blog

#83

“Shouganai” - What It Means When Someone Says “It Can’t Be Helped”

by Zaj Banzon

Hi, readers! How have you been? If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, I want you to remember that some things are just out of our control. So, just say “Shouganai” and take a deep breath.

What does “Shouganai” mean though? If you’ve spent any time in Japan, you’ve probably heard this word just as much as the words “Daijobu” and “Otsukare”.

People say it when something goes wrong. When the weather ruins plans. When a train is late. When someone quits their job.

In this blog, I’d like to break down what “shouganai” actually means, and more importantly, how it reflects the way Japanese people deal with problems.

What “Shouganai” Means (Literally and Emotionally)

“Shouganai” (しょうがない / 仕方がない) literally means “There’s no way to do anything about it.”

It’s usually translated as :

“It can’t be helped.”
“That’s just how it is.”
“Oh well.”

But it’s more than just the words. It’s a way of accepting things that are out of your control. Rather than getting angry or trying to fight something impossible, many Japanese people use “shouganai” to express calm, quiet acceptance.

When Do People Use It?

You’ll hear “shouganai” in all kinds of situations :

A coworker is late because of a train delay : “Shouganai, ne.”
Your boss cancels a day off : “Shouganai…”
A typhoon ruins your weekend trip : “Shouganai.”

Sometimes, it’s said with a sigh. Sometimes with a small smile.

It can mean disappointment-or emotional strength.

Is It Good or Bad?

Some people love the idea behind “shouganai.” It helps you stay calm and not waste energy on things you can’t change.

But others feel it’s too passive. Shouldn’t we try to change things instead of always accepting them?

As an OFW, you might feel both sides. “Shouganai” can be a helpful mindset for staying positive—but don’t be afraid to speak up when something can be helped.

“Shouganai” teaches us something deep about Japanese culture :

Not everything goes your way, and that’s okay.

So the next time something small goes wrong in your day, try saying it once—

“Shouganai.”

It might just make things a little easier to handle.

And hey, if the exchange rate is going down just as you were planning to send money back home—”Shouganai.”

Posted : 14 July 2025