괜찮아요, 감사합니다
gwaenchanh-ayo, gamsahamnida
The English phrase "I am fine, thank you" is translated into Korean as 괜찮아요, 감사합니다 (gwaenchanh-ayo, gamsahamnida).
This phrase is used as a polite response to indicate that you are doing well or to signal that you do not require assistance. The word 괜찮아요 can mean "I am fine" or "I am okay," but it is also commonly used to mean "No thank you" when you wish to politely decline an offer, such as more water or a bag.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 괜찮아요 literally means "it is okay" or "it is fine," while 감사합니다 translates to "thank you."
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, 괜찮아요 can mean both "I am doing well" and "No thank you" (declining an offer).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 괜찮아요, 감사합니다 is polite and appropriate for speaking to strangers or people older than you because it uses the polite -yo ending and the formal -nida ending. For close friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal version 괜찮아, 고마워.
How do you pronounce it?
gwaenchanh-ayo, gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- Using 괜찮아요 to decline an offer is often a social dance where the other person asks two or three more times before accepting the answer.
- In Korea, you can express 괜찮아요 while slightly waving your hand in front of your chest to emphasize that you are politely declining an offer.
- If you are very close to someone, saying 괜찮아요 with the -yo ending can actually create a sense of emotional distance or suggest you are upset.
Examples in context
- 아니요, 괜찮아요, 감사합니다.aniyo, gwaenchanayo, gamsahamnida.No, I am fine, thank you.
- 도움은 필요 없어요. 괜찮아요, 감사합니다.doumeun piryo eopseoyo. gwaenchanayo, gamsahamnida.I don't need help. I am fine, thank you.
Example conversation
Jihoon offers to help Seoyeon carry a heavy bag.
- 지훈 Ji-hun짐이 많네요. 도와드릴까요?Jimi manneyo. Dowadeurilkkayo?You have a lot of luggage. Shall I help you?
- 서연 Seo-yeon괜찮아요, 감사합니다.Gwaenchanayo, gamsahamnida.I am fine, thank you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 괜찮으세요?Jeongmal gwaenchaneuseyo?Are you really okay?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 혼자 할 수 있어요.Ne, honja hal su isseoyo.Yes, I can do it by myself.
