감사합니다
gamsahamnida[ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠]
In Korean, 'thank you formal' is expressed as 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
감사합니다 is a common formal way to say thank you. It is used to express gratitude in professional settings or when speaking to someone of higher status.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 감사 (gratitude) and the verb 하다 (to do) in a highly formal, polite verb ending, literally meaning 'I am grateful/thankful'.
Which one should you use?
While both are polite, 감사합니다 is slightly more formal and professional than 고맙습니다, which is a common polite way to say thank you in everyday social situations. Additionally, 감사합니다 is a formal expression, whereas 고마워 is the casual/informal version used with friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- In some contexts, a Korean speaker might respond to 감사합니다 with 아니에요, which literally means 'it is not'. This is a cultural way of modestly denying that the favor was a big deal.
- While 감사합니다 is very polite, using it toward a very close friend or someone much younger might actually create an awkward distance. In such intimate cases, using the formal version can feel unintentionally cold or overly stiff.
- The word 감사 uses Hanja (Chinese characters) to build its meaning, specifically 感謝. This makes it part of a high-register vocabulary often found in formal documents, news broadcasts, and official speeches.
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.do-wa-ju-shyeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.Thank you for helping me.
- 선물 정말 감사합니다.seon-mul jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da.Thank you very much for the gift.
- 시간을 내주셔서 감사합니다.shi-gan-eul nae-ju-shyeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.Thank you for taking the time.
Example conversation
Dohyun is thanking Minji for her professional advice in the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon조언해 주셔서 감사합니다.jo-eon-hae ju-shyeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.Thank you for your advice.
- 민지 Min-ji별말씀을요, 도현 씨.byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo, do-hyun ssi.You're very welcome, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 큰 도움이 되었어요.jeong-mal keun do-um-i doe-eot-eo-yo.It was a really big help.
- 민지 Min-ji다음에 또 물어보세요.da-eu-me tto mu-reo-bo-se-yo.Feel free to ask again next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
