선물 고마워요
seonmul gomawoyo
The English phrase "thank you for the gift" is expressed in Korean as 선물 고마워요 (seonmul gomawoyo).
This phrase is used to express gratitude to someone who has given you a present.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 선물, which means gift or present and 고마워요, which is a polite way to say thank you.
Which one should you use?
You can use 선물 고마워 for a more casual tone or 선물 감사합니다 to be much more formal and respectful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and respectful expression suitable for elders or superiors, use 선물 감사합니다. Conversely, removing the 요 from the end of the phrase to say 선물 고마워 makes it informal, which is used only with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 선물 고마워요, the object (gift) is placed directly before the verb (thank you) without a particle, which is common in spoken Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
seonmul gomawoyo
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, if a gift is particularly expensive, it is common to express a sense of 'being burdened' or 'feeling heavy-hearted' alongside your thanks, rather than just pure happiness.
- It is a common social custom in Korea to open a gift later in private rather than immediately in front of the giver.
- In Korea, it is common to politely decline a gift once or twice before accepting it to show humility, even if you actually want the gift.
Examples in context
- 선물 고마워요.seonmul gomawoyo.Thank you for the gift.
- 진짜 선물 고마워요!jinjja seonmul gomawoyo!Thank you so much for the gift!
- 예쁜 선물 고마워요.yeppeun seonmul gomawoyo.Thank you for the pretty gift.
Example conversation
Su-bin and Hyeon-u are meeting at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 이거 선물 고마워요.Hyeon-u ssi, igeo seonmul gomawoyo.Hyeon-u, thank you for this gift.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아하니 다행이에요.Joahani dahaengieyo.I am glad you like it.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 마음에 들어요.Jeongmal maeume deureoyo.I really love it.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨가 좋아해서 기뻐요.Subin ssiga joahaeseo gippeoyo.I am happy that you like it, Su-bin.
