감사합니다
gamsahamnidaformal, polite
To an older person, say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida). Both are formal and respectful. It is also called 고마워요 (gomawoyo).
Meaning: thank you to an older person (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | formal, polite |
| 고맙습니다 | gomapseumnida | formal, polite |
| 고마워요 | gomawoyo | polite |
감사합니다 comes from Chinese-based roots and is slightly more formal. 고맙습니다 is the native Korean word and feels warm.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Avoid 고마워 (gomawo) with elders. A small bow while saying it shows extra respect.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying 땡큐 (ttaengkyu) to an older person sounds too playful.
Did you know?
- 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida) is said before eating to thank the person who gave or cooked the food.
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for helping.
- 정말 고맙습니다.jeongmal gomapseumnida.Thank you very much.
Example conversation
Yerim thanks an elderly Neighbor who gave her fruit.
- Yerim할머니, 과일 감사합니다.halmeoni, gwail gamsahamnida.Grandma, thank you for the fruit.
- Neighbor맛있게 먹어요.masitge meogeoyo.Enjoy it.
- Yerim네, 잘 먹겠습니다.ne, jal meokgetseumnida.Yes, I will eat well.
