How to Respond to Thank You in Korean: Polite and Casual Replies
Learn natural Korean responses to 고마워 and 감사합니다. Master 천만에요, 별말씀을요, and more for formal and casual situations.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When someone says thank you in Korean, your reply depends on who you are talking to and how close you are. The most direct equivalent of you're welcome is 천만에요, but it can sound a little formal or textbook-like. In everyday conversation, many Koreans use other expressions such as 별말씀을요 or 아니에요. This lesson teaches you the main patterns for responding to 고마워, 감사합니다, and other thanks, so you can choose the right level of politeness.
By the end, you can…
- respond appropriately to 고마워 and 감사합니다 in Korean.
- choose between 천만에요, 별말씀을요, and other replies based on formality.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
천만에요
You're welcome.
cheon-ma-ne-yo
A standard, somewhat formal reply to thanks. It is correct but can sound stiff in casual conversation.
별말씀을요
Don't mention it. / You're too kind.
byeol-mal-sseu-meul-yo
A polite and humble reply, common in both formal and semi-formal situations. It literally means 'not at all' or 'no such words'.
아니에요
It's nothing. / No problem.
a-ni-e-yo
A very common casual-polite reply. It can also mean 'It's not true' or 'No', so context matters.
괜찮아요
It's okay. / No problem.
gwaen-chan-a-yo
Used when someone thanks you for something small or when you want to say 'don't worry about it'.
뭘요
Oh, it's nothing. / No need to thank me.
mwol-lyo
A humble and friendly reply. It is short and can sound modest or even a bit playful. In casual speech it is often just 뭐 (mwo).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The most direct pattern is to use a set phrase like 천만에요 or 별말씀을요. For example, if a colleague says 감사합니다, you can reply 천만에요 or 별말씀을요. If a close friend says 고마워, you can reply 아니야 or 뭐. Notice that the verb ending changes with politeness: -요 for polite, no ending for casual. You can also use 아니에요 or 괜찮아요 to brush off the thanks.
When to use it
Use 천만에요 in formal or business settings, but be aware that it can feel a bit old-fashioned. 별말씀을요 is safe and polite in most situations, especially with strangers or superiors. 아니에요 and 괜찮아요 are good for everyday polite conversation. For close friends, use 아니야, 뭐, or 괜찮아. If someone thanks you for a gift or a big favor, a humble reply like 별말씀을요 or 뭘요 works well. Avoid using casual forms with people older than you or in formal contexts.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for helping me.do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da별말씀을요. 언제든지 도와드릴게요.
You're welcome. I'll help you anytime.byeol-mal-sseu-meul-yo. eon-je-deun-ji do-wa-deu-ril-ge-yo정말 고마워요.
Thank you so much.jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo뭐. 별거 아니에요.
Oh, it's nothing. It's no big deal.mwo. byeol-geo a-ni-e-yoA little context goes a long way
Korean politeness levels are important. Using casual speech with someone older or in a formal situation can be rude. When in doubt, use a polite -요 ending. Also, Koreans often downplay their help to be humble, so replies like 별말씀을요 or 뭘요 are very natural. If someone says 천만에요, it is not wrong, but it may sound like a textbook phrase. Listening to how native speakers respond in real life will help you match the tone.
One thing to watch for
Using 천만에요 for every situation, even with close friends.
Try this instead: With close friends, use casual replies like 아니야 or 뭐. For example, if a friend says 고마워, you can say 아니야. 천만에요 is not incorrect, but it can sound too formal and distant.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your boss says 감사합니다. What is a polite reply?
Show a sample answer
별말씀을요.
별말씀을요 is polite and humble, suitable for formal situations. 천만에요 is also correct, but 별말씀을요 is more common in modern conversation.
2Your close friend says 고마워. What is a natural casual reply?
Show a sample answer
뭐.
뭐 is a short, casual, and friendly reply. 아니야 or 괜찮아 are also fine. Using 천만에요 here would sound too formal.
3A stranger thanks you for holding the door. What can you say?
Show a sample answer
괜찮아요.
괜찮아요 means 'It's okay' and is a polite, friendly reply. 아니에요 is also acceptable. Both are appropriate for strangers.
Match your reply to the situation: use 천만에요 or 별말씀을요 in formal settings, 아니에요 or 괜찮아요 in polite everyday talk, and 아니야 or 뭐 with close friends.
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