How to Say Thank You in Korean: Formal and Polite Basics
Learn to say thank you in Korean politely and formally with 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다. Understand when to use each, how to respond, and practice with a dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean, saying thank you politely is essential for everyday interactions. The two most common expressions are 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) and 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida). Both are polite and can be used in formal situations, but they differ slightly in nuance and formality. This lesson focuses on these two expressions, teaching you when to use each, how to respond to thanks, and how to ask for help politely. You'll learn to navigate first encounters with confidence, using the right level of politeness.
By the end, you can…
- say thank you politely in Korean using 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다.
- respond appropriately when someone thanks me in Korean.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
감사합니다
Thank you (formal, polite)
gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Use in formal situations, with strangers, elders, or in business settings. It is the most common formal thank-you. Pronounced with a clear 'h' sound: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
고맙습니다
Thank you (polite, slightly less formal)
go-map-seum-ni-da
Polite and warm, often used with people you know well but still want to show respect, like acquaintances or colleagues. Pronounced with an 'm' sound: go-map-seum-ni-da.
천만에요
You're welcome
cheon-man-e-yo
A standard response to thanks. It can sound a bit formal or textbook-like; alternatives like 아니에요 (a-ni-e-yo) are also common.
괜찮아요
It's okay / No problem
gwaen-chan-a-yo
Often used to respond to thanks, meaning 'It's nothing' or 'No problem.' Polite and friendly. Pronounced gwaen-chan-a-yo.
죄송하지만, 도와주실 수 있나요?
Excuse me, could you help me?
joe-song-ha-ji-man, do-wa-ju-sil su it-na-yo?
A polite way to ask for help from staff or strangers. Use in stores, restaurants, or public places. Pronounced joe-song-ha-ji-man, do-wa-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Both 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다 are complete sentences. You can use them on their own to say thank you. To be more specific, you can add a reason: for example, 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da) means 'Thank you for helping me.' The ending -셔서 (-syeo-seo) attaches to the verb stem to mean 'because you did...'. Similarly, 선물 고맙습니다 (seon-mul go-map-seum-ni-da) means 'Thank you for the gift.' Note that 감사합니다 is pronounced with a clear 'h' sound: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
When to use it
Use 감사합니다 in formal settings: when thanking a stranger, an elder, a superior at work, or in customer service. It is safe and respectful. 고맙습니다 is also polite but feels a bit warmer and less formal; use it with acquaintances, colleagues of similar age, or when you want to sound friendly yet still respectful. Avoid using casual thank-you like 고마워 (go-ma-wo) unless you are close to the person and they are younger or of similar age. When someone thanks you, respond with 천만에요 or 괜찮아요. If you want to be modest, you can say 별말씀을요 (byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo), meaning 'Don't mention it.'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
저기요, 이거 어떻게 하는지 아세요?
Excuse me, do you know how to do this?jeo-gi-yo, i-geo eo-tteo-ke ha-neun-ji a-se-yo?네, 이렇게 하시면 돼요.
Yes, you can do it like this.ne, i-reo-ke ha-si-myeon dwae-yo.아, 감사합니다!
Ah, thank you!a, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!천만에요.
You're welcome.cheon-man-e-yo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, showing gratitude is important for maintaining harmony. Using the right level of politeness depends on age, social status, and familiarity. When in doubt, use 감사합니다—it is rarely inappropriate. However, among close friends, using formal thanks too often can feel distant. Observe how Koreans around you speak and adjust gradually. Also, a slight bow or nod often accompanies verbal thanks.
One thing to watch for
Using 고마워 (gomawo) in a formal situation, like thanking a boss or a stranger.
Try this instead: 고마워 is casual and should only be used with close friends or younger people. In formal contexts, say 감사합니다 or 고맙습니다. For example, when thanking a store clerk, say 감사합니다, not 고마워.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You want to thank a stranger who helped you find the subway. Which expression is most appropriate?
Show a sample answer
감사합니다
감사합니다 is the formal polite thank-you, suitable for strangers. 고맙습니다 is also polite but slightly less formal; both are acceptable, but 감사합니다 is safest.
2Your friend gives you a small gift. How might you thank them politely but warmly?
Show a sample answer
고맙습니다
고맙습니다 is polite and warm, good for friends when you want to show a bit of respect. Among close friends, 고마워 is also fine, but 고맙습니다 is a safe polite choice.
3Someone says 감사합니다 to you. What is a polite response?
Show a sample answer
천만에요
천만에요 means 'You're welcome.' Alternatives like 괜찮아요 or 아니에요 are also common and perfectly acceptable.
Use 감사합니다 for formal thanks and 고맙습니다 for polite but slightly warmer thanks. Respond with 천만에요 or 괜찮아요. When in doubt, 감사합니다 is always safe and respectful.
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