감사합니다, 선생님
gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim
To say "thank you, sir" in Korean, you use 감사합니다, 선생님 (gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim).
This phrase is a polite way to express gratitude specifically when addressing a male teacher or a person of higher status.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), which literally means "I am grateful" or "I offer thanks" in a formal way and 선생님 (seonsaengnim).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb part 감사합니다 is in the formal polite style (하십시오체), making it appropriate for addressing superiors or people you do not know well.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim
Did you know?
- The word 선생 (seonsaeng) can be broken down into 'first' and 'born', literally meaning 'one who was born before', highlighting the respect given to seniority.
- The word 선생님 is gender-neutral and can be used to address both male and female teachers or superiors, despite the English translation 'sir' being gender-specific.
- In medical settings, it is a common custom for patients to address their doctors as 선생님 rather than using the specific word for doctor.
Examples in context
- 고맙습니다Thank you
- 도움을 주셔서 감사합니다, 선생님.doumeul jusyeoseo gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim.Thank you for your help, sir.
- 정말 감사합니다, 선생님.jeongmal gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim.Thank you very much, sir.
Example conversation
Subin is thanking her teacher, Dohyun, after a lesson.
- 수빈 Su-bin오늘 수업 정말 좋았어요.oneul sueop jeongmal joasseoyo.Today's class was really good.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그렇게 말해주니 기쁘네요.geureoke malhaejuni gippeuneyo.I am happy to hear you say that.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다, 선생님.gamsahamnida, seonsaengnim.Thank you, sir.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요, 다음에 또 봐요.anieyo, daeume tto bwayo.You're welcome, see you next time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감사합니다, 선생님, CC BY-SA 4.0.
