감사합니다
gamsahamnidaformal
In Hangul, "thank you" is written 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It is the polite and formal form. Between friends write 고마워 (gomawo). It is also called 고마워요 (gomawoyo).
Meaning: expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | formal |
| 고마워요 | gomawoyo | polite |
| 고마워 | gomawo | casual |
What does it mean word for word?
감사 (gamsa) comes from Chinese characters for "feel" and "thanks", while 고맙다 (gomapda) is a native Korean word. Both mean "thankful".
Which one should you use?
감사합니다 is the safe choice in shops, offices and with elders. 고마워요 (gomawoyo) is warmer and used with colleagues you know. 고마워 is for friends.
How do you pronounce it?
In 감사합니다 the ㅂ in 합 sounds like "m" before the next syllable, so it is said "gam-sa-ham-ni-da".
Did you know?
- Many Koreans bow slightly while saying 감사합니다, and the bow gets deeper for elders.
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for helping me.
- 선물 고마워요.seonmul gomawoyo.Thank you for the gift.
- 고마워, 정말 큰 도움이 됐어.gomawo, jeongmal keun doumi dwaesseo.Thanks, it really helped a lot.
Example conversation
Customer Mina buys coffee from barista Joon at a cafe in Seoul.
- Joon커피 나왔습니다.keopi nawatseumnida.Your coffee is ready.
- Mina감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
- Joon맛있게 드세요.masitge deuseyo.Enjoy.
