고마워요
gomawoyo
The English phrase "I appreciate it" can be translated into Korean as 고마워요 (gomawoyo).
The phrase is used to express gratitude to someone for something they have done. To express a deeper sense of appreciation in an informal setting, you can add the word 정말 before 고마워 to say 정말 고마워.
Which one should you use?
고마워요 feels slightly more personal and warm than 감사합니다, which is the more formal and standard choice for public or professional use. In terms of endings, 고맙습니다 is a formal version of 고마워요 that uses a more traditional, respectful verb ending.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
감사합니다 and 고맙습니다 are formal and respectful. 고맙습니다 is a humble and polite way to express gratitude, while 감사합니다 is often used in professional settings or with strangers. 고마워요 is a polite form suitable for people you are acquainted with but are not on intimate terms with. For informal situations, use 고마워 with close friends, peers, people of similar age or those younger than you. Removing the '요' from the end of 고마워요 makes the phrase informal.
How do you pronounce it?
gomawoyo
Did you know?
- If someone does something extraordinary for you, you might hear the phrase 몸 둘 바를 모르겠습니다. It literally translates to 'I do not know where to put my body', expressing that your gratitude is so overwhelming it is physically awkward.
- In very formal or tense situations, Koreans may avoid saying 'thank you' and instead use a phrase that translates to 'I am sorry' to acknowledge the trouble someone went through for them.
- The word 고맙다 used in 고마워요 is an adjective in Korean, not a verb. This means you cannot use it with the future tense to say 'I will appreciate it' in the same way you can in English.
Examples in context
- 그 작업 도와주셔서 정말 고맙습니다.Thank you so much for helping with that task.
- 그 책 빌려줘서 고마워.Thanks for lending me that book.
- 도와줘서 고마워요.dowajwoseo gomawoyo.I appreciate you helping me.
- 선물 정말 고마워요.seonmul jeongmal gomawoyo.I really appreciate the gift.
- 빌려줘서 고마워요.billyeojwoseo gomawoyo.I appreciate you lending it to me.
Example conversation
Minjun helps Minji carry a heavy box.
- 민준 Min-jun제가 들어 드릴게요.je ga deureo deurilgeyo.I will carry this for you.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 정말 고마워요, 민준 씨!wa, jeongmal gomawoyo, Minjun ssi!Wow, I really appreciate it, Minjun!
- 민준 Min-jun별거 아니에요.byeolgeo anieyo.It is nothing.
- 민지 Min-ji그래도 너무 편해졌어요.geuraedo neomu pyeonhaejyeosseoyo.Still, it became much easier.
