감사합니다
gamsahamnida[ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠]
kamsahamnida is the Korean way to say thank you.
kamsahamnida means thank you.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun gamsa (gratitude/thanks) and the verb hada (to do).
Which one should you use?
감사합니다 is the formal version of the expression, whereas 고마워 is the informal version used with close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
감사합니다 is the standard formal and polite way to express thanks to strangers, elders or in professional settings.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- If someone does a massive favor for you that caused them significant trouble, simply saying 감사합니다 might feel insufficient. In these cases, Koreans might actually say a polite 'sorry' like 죄송합니다 to acknowledge the burden they caused you.
- Because of its high formality, saying 감사합니다 to a small child or a very close younger sibling can sound like you are being jokingly sarcastic or intentionally cold.
- Because it is based on the Chinese characters 感謝, gamsa carries a more formal and academic tone than the native Korean words for thanks.
Examples in context
- 감사합니다, 여러분.Thank you, everyone.
- 고마워요, 선배님.Thank you, senior.
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.dowajusyeoseo kamsahamnida.Thank you for helping me.
- 선물 감사합니다.seonmul kamsahamnida.Thank you for the gift.
Example conversation
Dohyun gives Jieun a coffee at the office.
- 지은 Ji-eun커피 고마워요, 도현 씨.keopi gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Thanks for the coffee, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요, 맛있게 드세요.anieyo, masitge deuseyo.No problem, please enjoy it.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 감사합니다.jeongmal kamsahamnida.Thank you very much.
- 도현 Do-hyeon별말씀을요, 지은 씨.byeolmalsseumeuryo, Jieun ssi.You're very welcome, Jieun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
