고맙습니다
gomapseumnida[ko̞ma̠ps͈ɯmnida̠]
In Korean, "thank you" can be expressed in several ways depending on the level of formality. If unsure, use 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida). Wiktionary also lists 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 고맙습니다 | gomapseumnida | [ko̞ma̠ps͈ɯmnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | [ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These phrases are used to express gratitude to others.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression 감사합니다 is built from the noun 감사 (gratitude) and the verb 하다 (to do).
Which one should you use?
While both are common, 감사합니다 is more formal and often used in professional or public settings. In contrast, 고맙습니다 is a polite way to express gratitude that feels slightly more personal or warm.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the phrase is 고마워, which should only be used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
gomapseumnida
When do people say it?
In formal situations, it is customary to bow slightly as a sign of respect when saying thank you.
Did you know?
- In texting or digital chats, Koreans often use the abbreviated form ㄱㅅ (the consonants of 'gamsa') to say 'thanks' to close friends.
- In very close relationships, Koreans often omit 'thank you' entirely, as expressing it too frequently can actually create a feeling of emotional distance.
- While 감사합니다 is used for gratitude, the same word 감사 can also mean 'audit' or 'inspection' in a professional business context.
Examples in context
- 고맙습니다.Thank you.This sentence uses 고맙습니다 to express thanks.Tatoeba #9466297 by jujungsik, translation #1876041 by Asma
- 진심으로 감사합니다.I thank you from the bottom of my heart.This sentence uses 감사합니다 to express heartfelt thanks.Tatoeba #11105117 by intertime, translation #268952 by CK
- 감사합니다!Thank you!Tatoeba #1531876 by cc_neko, translation #374827 by sysko
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun gives a gift to Minji at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 선물이에요.Minji ssi, seonmul-ieyo.Minji, it is a gift.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 고맙습니다, 민준 씨.Jeongmal gomapseumnida, Minjun ssi.Thank you so much, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun마음에 들었으면 좋겠어요.Maeume deureosseumyeon jokesseoyo.I hope you like it.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 아주 예뻐요.Ne, aju yeppeoyo.Yes, it is very pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries 고맙습니다, 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
