감사합니다
gamsahamnidaformal, polite
In Hangul "thank you" is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It is polite and works in shops, offices and with strangers. Friends say 고마워 (gomawo). It is also called 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida).
Meaning: expression of gratitude (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | formal, polite |
| 고맙습니다 | gomapseumnida | polite |
| 고마워 | gomawo | casual |
What does it mean word for word?
감사 (gamsa) comes from Chinese-based vocabulary and 고맙다 (gomapda) is the native Korean word. The two can often replace each other.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
감사합니다 sounds a bit more formal, and 고맙습니다 a bit warmer. With close friends use 고마워 and with polite speech add 요, as in 고마워요 (gomawoyo).
How do you pronounce it?
감사합니다 is said as "gam-sa-ham-ni-da", with the ㅂ of 합 sounding like "m".
Did you know?
- The reply 아니에요 (anieyo) or 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) means "you are welcome".
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for helping.
- 선물 고마워!Seonmul gomawo!Thanks for the gift!
- 정말 고맙습니다.Jeongmal gomapseumnida.Thank you very much.
Example conversation
Dami thanks the bus driver Mr. Kim, who has helped her with the fare, in Busan.
- Dami카드가 안 돼요. 어떡하죠?Kadeuga an dwaeyo. Eotteokajyo?My card does not work. What should I do?
- Kim괜찮아요. 다음에 내세요.Gwaenchanayo. Daeume naeseyo.It is fine. Pay next time.
- Dami감사합니다!Gamsahamnida!Thank you!
