감사합니다
gamsahamnida[ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠]
In Korean, "thank you" can be expressed in several ways. The default form is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). Wiktionary also lists 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida).
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | [ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 고맙습니다 | gomapseumnida | [ko̞ma̠ps͈ɯmnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The phrases are used to express gratitude. You can add emphasis to your thanks to show deeper appreciation. For example, using 정말로 감사합니다 or 진심으로 감사드립니다 (I sincerely thank you) conveys a stronger sense of gratitude. If someone's assistance was particularly useful, you might say 큰 도움이 되었습니다 to mean "You have been a great help."
Which one should you use?
감사합니다 is the most formal option and is typically used in professional or public settings. 고맙습니다 is also a polite way to express thanks, but it feels slightly more personal or warm than 감사합니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the informal form 고마워 into a polite version suitable for everyday social interactions, you add 요 to create 고마워요.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- In text messaging, Koreans often use abbreviated or 'cute' versions of gratitude, such as 'ㄱㅅ' (short for 'gamsa'), though this should never be used in person or with superiors.
- When saying 감사합니다 in a very formal setting, it is customary to perform a slight bow of the head or body to match the level of verbal respect.
- The word 감사 in 감사합니다 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is composed of Chinese characters that were historically used in scholarly and official contexts in Korea.
Examples in context
- 고맙습니다.Thank you.This sentence shows a simple way to say thank you using 고맙습니다.Tatoeba #9466297 by jujungsik, translation #1876041 by Asma
- 진심으로 감사합니다.I thank you from the bottom of my heart.This sentence is useful for expressing deep gratitude using 감사합니다.Tatoeba #11105117 by intertime, translation #268952 by CK
- 감사합니다!Thank you!This sentence demonstrates a common way to say thank you using 감사합니다.Tatoeba #1531876 by cc_neko, translation #374827 by sysko
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyeon gives Jieun a coffee.
- 지은 Ji-eun커피 잘 마실게요.keopi jal masilgeyo.I will enjoy this coffee.
- 도현 Do-hyeon별거 아니에요.byeolgeo anieyo.It's nothing.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 감사합니다.jeongmal gamsahamnida.Thank you so much.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요, 맛있게 드세요.anieyo, masitge deuseyo.No problem, enjoy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries 감사합니다, 고맙습니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
