Basic Ways to Say Thank You in Korean

Saying thank you in Korean is essential for polite everyday conversation
Saying thank you in Korean is essential for polite everyday conversation

When learning expressions for thank you in Korean, it’s important to start with the fundamentals. Korean has several ways to express gratitude, each appropriate for different social contexts.

감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida): The Most Common Way to Say Thank You in Korean

The most widely used and standard way to say thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). This phrase is highly versatile and suitable for most situations, whether you’re thanking a stranger, a coworker, or a shopkeeper. The word “감사” means “gratitude” or “appreciation,” while “합니다” is a polite verb ending.

Here are some variations and contexts where you can use 감사합니다:

  • 정말 감사합니다 (jeongmal gamsahamnida) – Thank you very much
  • 진심으로 감사합니다 (jinsimeuro gamsahamnida) – Thank you sincerely
  • 도움에 감사합니다 (doume gamsahamnida) – Thank you for your help
  • 친절에 감사합니다 (chinjeore gamsahamnida) – Thank you for your kindness
  • 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다 (sigan naejusyeoseo gamsahamnida) – Thank you for taking the time

고마워시다 (Gomapseumnida): A More Casual Way to Say Thank You in Korean

Another polite but slightly less formal way of Korean language for thank you is 고마워시다 (gomapseumnida). This phrase carries a warm, friendly tone and is often used in semi-formal settings. The word “고맙다” means “to be thankful” or “to be grateful.”

Here are some phrases using 고맙습니다:

  • 정말 고맙습니다 (jeongmal gomapseumnida) – Thank you very much
  • 많이 고맙습니다 (mani gomapseumnida) – Thank you a lot
  • 도와주셔서 고맙습니다 (dowajusyeoseo gomapseumnida) – Thank you for helping
  • 정보 주셔서 고맙습니다 (jeongbo jusyeoseo gomapseumnida) – Thank you for the information
  • 함께해 주셔서 고맙습니다 (hamkkehae jusyeoseo gomapseumnida) – Thank you for joining me

Congratulation in Korean

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Expressing Gratitude in Different Situations

Learning how to say thank you in hangul (the Korean alphabet) across various contexts will significantly enhance your Korean language skills.

Formal Situations (For Business or Polite Interactions)

Korean culture puts huge value on sincerity when thanking someone formally
Korean culture puts huge value on sincerity when thanking someone formally

In formal settings, such as business meetings, when speaking with elders, or in professional environments, it’s important to use a respectful Korean word for thank you to express your gratitude.

  • 대단히 감사합니다 (Daedanhi gamsahamnida) – Thank you very much.
  • 정말 감사합니다 (Jeongmal gamsahamnida) – Thank you sincerely.
  • 진정 감사합니다 (Jinjja gamsahamnida) – I really appreciate it.
  • 공인적으로 감사합니다 (Gonginjeogeuro gamsahamnida) – Officially, thank you.
  • 감사할 뿐입니다 (Gamsahal ppunimnida) – I am truly thankful.
  • 매우 감사합니다 (Maeu gamsahamnida) – I deeply appreciate it.
  • 너무 감사합니다 (Neomu gamsahamnida) – Thank you so much.
  • 말로 달 수 없습니다 (말로 달 수 없습니다) – Words cannot express my gratitude.
  • 감사드려요 (Gamsadeuryeoyo) – I give you my thanks.
  • 정중히 감사드립니다 (Jeongjunghi gamsadeurimnida) – I respectfully give my sincere thanks.
  • 진심으로 감사합니다 (Jinsimeuro gamsahamnida) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  • 고마움을 금할 길이 없습니다 (Gomaumeul geumhal giri eopseumnida) – I can’t contain my gratitude.

Informal Situations (For Friends, Family, or Peers)

Koreans love mixing in English words—yes, even for thank yous!
Koreans love mixing in English words—yes, even for thank yous!

With friends, family members, or people younger than you, you can use more casual forms to say thank you in Korean.

  • 고마워 (Gomawo) – Thanks (casual).
  • 따옴 (Ttaengkyu) – Thank you (borrowed from English).
  • 너밖에 없다, 고마워 (Neobakke eopda, gomawo) – You’re the best, thank you.
  • 너무 고마워 (Neomu gomawo) – Thank you very much
  • 고마워서 (Gomawoseo) – Thanks for (doing something).
  • 미안, 감사해 (Mian, gamsahae) – Sorry, but thanks.
  • 정말 고마워 (Jeongmal gomawo) – Really, thanks.
  • 진짜 고마워 (Jinjja gomawo) – I truly appreciate it.
  • 완전 고마워 (Wanjeon gomawo) – Totally thanks!
  • 항상 고마워 (Hangsang gomawo) – Thanks, always.
  • 정말로 고마워 (Jeongmallo gomawo) – Like, seriously, thank you.
  • 고마워 진짜 (Gomawo jinjja) – Thanks, fr.

Using Honorifics (Showing Respect When Saying Thank You)

Respect is baked into every polite Korean thank you you’ll ever hear
Respect is baked into every polite Korean thank you you’ll ever hear

This language has distinct levels of formality based on Korean social hierarchy and age, so you need to know how to say thank you in Korean involves recognizing the importance of honorifics in Korean culture.

  • 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – For addressing someone older or in a professional setting.
  • 고마워시다 (Gomapseumnida) – A polite but slightly less formal thank you.
  • 은퇴 감사합니다 (Eunhye gamsahamnida) – Expressing gratitude for grace or favor.
  • 사람 자체에게 감사합니다 (Saram jachaeege gamsahamnida) – Thank you for your existence.
  • 정중히 감사합니다 (Jeongjunghi gamsahamnida) – Thank you respectfully.
  • 깊이 감사합니다 (Gipi gamsahamnida) – I deeply appreciate it.
  • 마음 깊이 감사합니다 (Maeum gipi gamsahamnida) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  • 진심으로 감사드립니다 (Jinsimeuro gamsadeurimnida) – I sincerely give you my thanks.
  • 감사 말씀 올립니다 (Gamsa malsseum ollimnida) – I humbly present my words of gratitude.
  • 항상 감사드립니다 (Hangsang gamsadeurimnida) – I am always grateful to you.
  • 진심으로 감사드립니다 (Jinsimeuro gamsadeurimnida) – I sincerely give you my thanks.
  • 깊은 감사를 드립니다 (Gipeun gamsareul deurimnida) – I offer you my deepest gratitude.

Conclusion

Learning how to say thank you in Korean is a crucial step in mastering Korean etiquette. In any situation, showing gratitude appropriately will help you connect better with native speakers. Learn Korean now with Gurulango – more tips and exercises to better your language skills.