고마워요
gomawoyo
gomawoyo is a Korean phrase meaning thank you.
고마워요 is a polite way to express gratitude to someone.
Which one should you use?
While 고마워요 is polite, it is slightly less formal than kamsahamnida (감사합니다), which is the standard formal way to express gratitude in Korean. Additionally, gomapseumnida (고맙습니다) is a more formal version used in professional settings or when addressing people of much higher status.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gyeongsang Province, the variation 고마와요 (gomawayo) is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can make the phrase informal by removing the 요 (yo) from the end of 고마워요, resulting in 고마워. This informal version is suitable only for close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
gomawoyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common to respond to 고마워요 by saying 아니에요 (anieyo), which literally means 'it is not'. This serves as a humble way of saying 'no problem' or 'don't mention it'.
- The root word 고맙다 (gomapda) is a native Korean word, whereas the formal alternative 감사 (gamsa) is derived from Hanja, the ancient Chinese characters.
- While gomawoyo is polite, using it while looking someone directly in the eye during a very formal situation can feel too casual. In high-stakes formal settings, a slight bow is often more important than the specific words chosen.
Examples in context
- 조금밖에 못하겠지만 (jogeumbakke moshagetjiman)I can only do a little, but
- 나한테 좋은 친구로 있어서 정말 고마워.I'm really grateful to have a good friend like you.
- 정말 고마워요.jeongmal gomawoyo.Thank you so much.
- 선물 고마워요.seonmul gomawoyo.Thank you for the gift.
- 도와줘서 고마워요.dowajwoseo gomawoyo.Thank you for helping me.
Example conversation
Subin gives Jihun a coffee at the office.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 커피 좀 드세요.Jihun ssi, keopi jom deuseyo.Jihun, please have some coffee.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 정말 고마워요, 수빈 씨.Wa, jeongmal gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Wow, thank you so much, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요. 맛있게 드세요.Anieyo. Masitge deuseyo.No problem. Enjoy it.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 잘 마실게요.Ne, jal masilgeyo.Yes, I will enjoy it.
