불가피하다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The adjective '불가피하다' means 'inevitable' or 'unavoidable.' It is used to describe situations or outcomes that cannot be prevented or avoided due to circumstances beyond control.

Common Contexts

This word often appears in formal or semi-formal contexts such as news reports, official statements, or polite conversations when explaining why something must happen despite efforts to prevent it.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 불가피한 선택 (inevitable choice): used when a decision must be made without alternatives.
  • 불가피하게 ~하다 (inevitably do something): used to express that an action must be taken despite reluctance.
  • 불가피한 상황 (unavoidable situation): describes circumstances that force a certain outcome.

Nuances and Tips

Using '불가피하다' implies acceptance of the situation as necessary or unavoidable, often with a tone of resignation or justification. It is more formal than casual expressions like '어쩔 수 없다' (there's no choice).

A common learner mistake is confusing '불가피하다' with simply 'difficult' or 'hard.' Remember, it specifically means that something cannot be avoided, not just that it is challenging.

Example Sentences

이번 결정은 여러 상황을 고려할 때 불가피한 선택이었다.

Ibeon gyeoljeongeun yeoreo sanghwang-eul goryeohal ttae bulgapihan seontaeg-ieotda.

This decision was an inevitable choice considering various circumstances.

교통 체증 때문에 지각하는 것은 불가피하다.

Gyotong chejeung ttaemune jigakaneun geos-eun bulgapihada.

Being late because of traffic congestion is unavoidable.

불가피하게 약속을 취소해야 할 때는 미리 연락하는 것이 예의이다.

Bulgapihage yaksog-eul chwisohaya hal ttaeneun miri yeollak-haneun geosi ye-ui-ida.

When you inevitably have to cancel an appointment, it is polite to notify in advance.