감사합니다
gamsahamnida[ˈka̠(ː)msʰa̠ɦa̠mnida̠]
The English phrase 'thank you to a stranger' is expressed in Korean as 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
감사합니다 is a polite way to express gratitude to someone you do not know.
Which one should you use?
While 고마워요 is also polite, 감사합니다 is more formal and carries a higher level of respect, which is safer to use with strangers to avoid appearing overly familiar. You should avoid using the casual form 고마워 with strangers, as it is used only with close friends or people younger than you and can be perceived as rude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
감사합니다 is a formal and polite way to express gratitude, making it highly appropriate for speaking to strangers, elders or in professional settings. Other formal options include 고맙습니다 or the more formal and sincere 정말 감사드립니다.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- While 감사합니다 is the standard polite form, some Koreans may actually avoid saying it too often among close friends or family, as excessive formality can feel cold or distancing.
- When saying 감사합니다, it is customary to perform a slight bow or a nod of the head to show sincerity. Making eye contact alone without a slight physical movement can sometimes feel too blunt or impersonal in Korean etiquette.
- The word 감사 in 감사합니다 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is derived from Chinese characters. This roots the phrase in a formal, academic tradition rather than a purely native Korean linguistic origin.
Examples in context
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다.douajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for helping me.
- 길을 알려주셔서 감사합니다.gireul allyeojusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for showing me the way.
- 사진을 찍어주셔서 감사합니다.sajineul jjigeojusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for taking the photo.
Example conversation
Subin approaches Jihun to thank him for holding the door.
- 수빈 Su-bin문을 잡아주셔서 감사합니다.muneul jabajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for holding the door.
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니에요, 괜찮습니다.anieyo, gwaenchansseumnida.No problem, it's fine.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 감사합니다.jeongmal gamsahamnida.Thank you very much.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋은 하루 되세요.joeun haru doeseyo.Have a nice day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감사합니다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
