Korean Dictionary
How to say "We'll Cross that Bridge When We Come to It" in Korean
“We'll Cross that Bridge When We Come to It” in Korean is 될 대로 되라 (pronounced "Doel Daero Deora").
될 대로 되라
Doel Daero Deora
Usage & Context
This Korean expression means let things happen as they will. It reflects an attitude of leaving worries for the future to the future rather than fretting now.
Example Sentence
될 대로 되라는 마음으로 너무 걱정하지 않으려 해요.
I try not to worry too much with the attitude of crossing that bridge when we come to it.
How to use 될 대로 되라 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “We'll Cross that Bridge When We Come to It” is 될 대로 되라, romanized as Doel Daero Deora.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 될 대로 되라.
Pronunciation Guide
For '될' (doel), 'do' sounds like 'dough', and 'el' like 'ell' in 'bell'. '대로' (daero) has 'dae' like 'day' and 'ro' like 'row' (as in a boat). '되라' (doera) has 'doe' like 'dough' and 'ra' like 'rah' in 'hurrah'. The phrase has a somewhat relaxed, resigned tone, with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
A student trying to shrug off a bad exam performance.
시험 망쳐도 될 대로 되라지 뭐. 이미 끝난 일인데.
Even if I messed up the exam, 'we'll cross that bridge when we come to it,' I guess. It's already done.
Encouraging a friend who is overly anxious about the future.
미래에 대한 걱정은 그만하고, 될 대로 되라는 마음으로 살자.
Let's stop worrying about the future and live with the attitude of 'we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.'
A project manager feeling overwhelmed but pushing forward.
프로젝트가 너무 복잡해서 그냥 될 대로 되라는 심정으로 진행하고 있어요.
The project is so complicated that I'm just proceeding with a 'we'll cross that bridge when we come to it' mindset.
Cultural Context
'될 대로 되라' expresses a sense of fatalism or resignation, often used when one has done all they can or when the situation is beyond their control. While it can imply a carefree attitude, it often carries a nuance of 'whatever happens, happens' or 'I've given up trying to control it.' This can be seen in K-dramas where characters face overwhelming challenges and decide to just let fate take its course. It's not always negative; sometimes it's a way to release stress from overthinking or over-planning.
Editorial note
We review entries like 될 대로 되라 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
너무 걱정하지 마.
Don't worry too much.
그냥 두자.
Let's just leave it.
어떻게든 되겠지.
It'll work out somehow.
Related Expressions
운명에 맡기다
Unmyeonge matgida
To leave it to fate
포기하다
Pogihada
To give up (can be a related concept, but '될 대로 되라' is less about giving up *effort* and more about giving up *worry*)
걱정 마
Geokjeong ma
Don't worry
미리 걱정하지 마라
Miri geokjeonghaji mara
Don't worry in advance
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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