Learning how to say “thank you” in Korean is an excellent way to show your appreciation and connect with the local culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to South Korea or simply interested in the Korean language, this audio guide will teach you the formal and informal ways to express gratitude. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say thank you in Korean!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Thank You
In formal settings or when showing respect to someone older or of higher status, it’s essential to use the appropriate honorific language in Korean. Here are three common phrases to express your gratitude politely:
1. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
The most standard and widely used formal expression for thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It’s important to pronounce it as “gahm-sah-hahm-nee-da.” This phrase is suitable for various situations, such as receiving a gift, a good deed, or someone’s help.
2. 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)
고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) is another formal way to say thank you in Korean. It’s pronounced as “goh-mahp-seum-nee-da.” This expression carries the same meaning as 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), but it has a slightly warmer tone. Feel free to use it interchangeably based on your preference or the situation.
3. 대단히 감사합니다 (daedanhi gamsahamnida)
When you want to express an even deeper level of gratitude in a formal manner, you can use the phrase 대단히 감사합니다 (daedanhi gamsahamnida). Pronounce it as “dae-dahn-hee gahm-sah-ham-nee-da.” This expression is particularly appropriate for significant favors or moments when a simple thank you isn’t enough.
Informal Ways to Say Thank You
In informal settings or when expressing gratitude to friends, family, or those of similar age or status, you can choose from more casual phrases. Here are three common informal expressions for thank you in Korean:
1. 고마워 (gomawo)
The most commonly used informal way to say thank you in Korean is 고마워 (gomawo). It’s pronounced as “go-mah-woh.” This friendly expression is suitable for expressing appreciation to your peers, siblings, or close acquaintances in everyday situations.
2. 고마워요 (gomawoyo)
If you want to add a touch of politeness to the informal phrase, you can say 고마워요 (gomawoyo). Pronounce it as “go-mah-woh-yo.” This form is often used when expressing gratitude to someone slightly older or someone you respect but have a friendly relationship with.
3. 고맙다 (gomapda)
Another informal way to say thank you in Korean is 고맙다 (gomapda). It is pronounced as “go-map-da.” While slightly less common than others, it still holds the same meaning of gratitude. Use this expression with close friends or those you are familiar with in casual settings.
Tips and Examples for Using Thank You Phrases
To ensure you feel more comfortable using these thank you phrases in Korean, here are some tips and examples to help you master the right intonation and context:
1. Adjusting Formality Based on Situation
Keep in mind that the formality of the expressions depends on the situation. If you’re uncertain, it’s often better to err on the side of formality until you develop a better understanding of the context and relationships.
2. Emphasizing Gratitude
To add extra emphasis to your thank you, you can say “정말로 감사합니다” (jeongmallo gamsahamnida) before using the expressions mentioned earlier. It means “thank you very much.” This helps convey your sincere appreciation to the person you’re thanking.
3. Saying Thank You for a Gift
When thanking someone for a gift, you can say:
“선물을 주셔서 고마워요” (seonmul-eul jusyeoseo gomawoyo) – Thank you for the gift.
4. Expressing Thanks for a Favor
If someone has done you a favor, you can say:
“도와줘서 감사해요” (dowajwoseo gamsahaeyo) – Thank you for helping me.
5. Showing Appreciation for Assistance
When someone provides you with assistance, you can express your gratitude by saying:
“도움 주셔서 고맙습니다” (doum jusyeoseo gomapseumnida) – Thank you for your help.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say thank you in Korean is an invaluable skill that will greatly enhance your interactions and relationships with Korean speakers. Whether you use formal or informal expressions, your genuine appreciation will undoubtedly be well received. Remember to use the appropriate phrases based on the situation and always be respectful. So go ahead and show your gratitude by saying 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 고마워 (gomawo) in Korean, and enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the language!
