Learning how to say “thank you” is a wonderful way to show appreciation and respect in any language. In Korean culture, expressing gratitude is highly valued. Whether you want to thank someone formally or informally, this comprehensive guide will teach you various ways to say “thank you” in Korean, along with helpful tips and examples. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal ways to say thank you
When expressing gratitude in formal situations such as professional settings or to people older than you, it’s essential to use respectful language. Here are some formal ways to say “thank you” in Korean:
1. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
감사합니다 is the most common and formal way to say “thank you” in Korean. It is widely used and suitable for almost any circumstance. Remember to pronounce it as “gahm-sahm-nee-da.”
2. 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)
고맙습니다 is another formal expression of gratitude. It carries the same meaning as 감사합니다 and is used interchangeably. Pronounce it as “go-mahp-seum-nee-da.”
3. 정말 감사합니다 (jeongmal gamsahamnida)
When you want to emphasize your gratitude, you can use 정말 (jeongmal), meaning “really” or “truly,” with 감사합니다. This adds sincerity to your appreciation. Pronounce it as “jeong-mal gahm-sahm-nee-da.”
Informal ways to say thank you
In casual situations, with friends, or people of similar age, you can use less formal expressions to say “thank you” in Korean. Here are a few commonly used phrases:
1. 고마워 (gomawo)
If you want to express gratitude casually, you can use 고마워. It is the informal version of 고맙습니다. Pronounce it as “go-ma-wo.”
2. 고마워요 (gomawoyo)
고마워요 is a slightly more polite form of 고마워. Adding 요 (yo) at the end makes it sound gentler and friendlier. Pronounce it as “go-ma-wo-yo.”
3. 정말 고마워요 (jeongmal gomawoyo)
Similar to the formal expression, you can also use 정말 with 고마워요 to convey a deeper sense of gratitude. This form is commonly used among close friends and peers. Pronounce it as “jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo.”
Tips and examples
Tips for saying thank you
- Be polite: Korea values respect, so using polite language is important.
- Bow and make eye contact: To show additional respect, you can bow slightly while saying “thank you” and make eye contact at the same time.
- Use honorific titles: When thanking someone older or in a higher social position, adding appropriate titles like 선생님 (seonsaengnim) for teachers or 사장님 (sajangnim) for company executives is highly appreciated.
- Listen and mimic pronunciation: Pay attention to native Korean speakers’ pronunciation and try to mimic it. It will help you sound more natural when saying “thank you.”
- Practice often: Regular practice is key to becoming fluent in expressing gratitude in Korean. Don’t hesitate to use it often in your daily conversations.
Examples of saying thank you
When receiving a gift from your Korean friend or colleague:
You: 감사합니다! (gamsahamnida)
Friend: 천만에요! (cheonmaneyo) – It means “You’re welcome.”
When a stranger helps you with directions:
You: 정말 감사합니다. 길이 어려웠는데 도와주셔서 감사해요. (jeongmal gamsahamnida. giri eoryeowotneunde dowajusyeoseo gamsahaeyo)
Stranger: 별 말씀을요! (byeol malsseumeuryo) – It means “Not at all!”
When your Korean coworker teaches you something new:
You: 선생님, 정말 감사합니다. 배울 수 있어서 행운이에요. (seonsaengnim, jeongmal gamsahamnida. baeul su isseoseo haengunieyo)
Coworker: 아니에요, 제가 도와줄 수 있어서 오히려 기쁜 거예요. (anieyo, jega dowajul su isseoseo ohiryeo gippeun geoyeyo) – It means “No, I’m glad I could help.”
Remember, expressing gratitude is not limited to the words you say. It’s essential to also convey your appreciation through your tone of voice and body language. Immerse yourself in the Korean culture, practice these phrases, and you’ll master the art of saying “thank you” in Korean!
