감사합니다
gamsahamnida[ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠]
To say "thank you politely" in Korean, you use 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
감사합니다 is a widely used way to express gratitude in formal settings. You can add the word 정말 to 감사합니다 to emphasize a sincere and heartfelt appreciation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 감사 means "gratitude" or "thanks".
Which one should you use?
감사합니다 is highly formal and used in professional or public settings, whereas 고마워요 is a softer, polite way to say thank you in everyday social situations.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida
When do people say it?
A slight bow or nod of the head is often accompanied when saying thank you in Korea. It is also customary to use both hands when receiving a gift or something of value.
Did you know?
- While 감사합니다 is the standard for politeness, Koreans may avoid saying 'thank you' to close friends or family, as expressing formal gratitude can ironically create a feeling of emotional distance.
- When responding to 감사합니다, Koreans often say 아니에요, which literally means 'it is not' to humbly deny that their help was a significant favor.
- While 감사합니다 is common, it belongs to the 하십시오체 style, which is the same rigid speech level used by soldiers in the military and news anchors on television.
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.dowajusyeoseo gamsahabnida.Thank you for helping me.
- 선물을 주셔서 감사합니다.seonmureul jusyeoseo gamsahabnida.Thank you for giving me the gift.
- 정말 감사합니다.jeongmal gamsahabnida.Thank you very much.
Example conversation
Minjun gives Seoyeon a cup of coffee at the office.
- 서연 Seo-yeon커피 정말 감사합니다.keopi jeongmal gamsahabnida.Thank you very much for the coffee.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요. 맛있게 드세요.anieyo. masitge deuseyo.No problem. Please enjoy it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 정말 감사합니다.Minjun ssi, jeongmal gamsahabnida.Minjun, thank you so much.
- 민준 Min-jun별말씀을요, 서연 씨.byeolmalsseumeullyo, Seoyeon ssi.You're very welcome, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
