감사해요
gamsahaeyo
The English phrase 'thank you for something' is expressed in Korean as 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo).
This phrase is a polite expression used to show gratitude to someone for a specific action or gift.
Which one should you use?
While 감사해요 is polite, 감사합니다 is a more formal and standard way to express gratitude in professional or highly respectful settings. For a more personal and warm way to say thank you, you can use 고마워요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings or with people you are not closely acquainted with, 감사합니다 is a common and polite choice. To emphasize sincerity when you are extremely thankful, you can say 정말 감사합니다. For casual use among friends or people of a similar age, use the informal 고마워. The form 고마워요 is slightly more polite than 고마워 and is suitable for casual situations with individuals who are slightly older or in professional settings where you wish to maintain a friendly tone.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahaeyo
Did you know?
- The word 감사 comes from Sino-Korean roots, meaning 'gratitude'. Because it is based on Chinese characters, it often feels more formal and 'weighty' than the native Korean word 고마움.
- In Korea, it is common to bow slightly while saying 감사합니다 to show respect. The depth of the bow can indicate the level of your sincerity and the status of the person you are thanking.
- Korean has a specific concept called 정 (jeong), an emotional bond that can make explicit expressions of gratitude like 감사합니다 feel unnecessary among family members.
Examples in context
- 도움을 주셔서 감사합니다Thank you for your help
- 정말 감사합니다I am truly thankful
- 정말 친절하게 해주셔서 정말 감사합니다Thank you very much for your kindness
- 선물 고마워Thank you for the gift
- 도와줘서 고마워Thanks for helping me
- 맛있는 식사 고마워요Thank you for the delicious meal
- 들어주셔서 고마워요Thanks for listening to me
- 선물 정말 감사해요.seonmul jeongmal gamsahaeyo.Thank you so much for the gift.
- 도와주셔서 감사해요.dowajusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.Thank you for helping me.
Example conversation
Jihoon gives Minji a cup of coffee at the office.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 커피 좀 드세요.Minji ssi, keopi jom deuseyo.Minji, please have some coffee.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 커피 정말 감사해요!wa, keopi jeongmal gamsahaeyo!Wow, thank you so much for the coffee!
- 지훈 Ji-hun별거 아니에요. 맛있게 드세요.byeolgeo anieyo. masitge deuseyo.It's nothing. Enjoy it.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 잘 마실게요.ne, jal masilgeyo.Okay, I will enjoy it.
