선생님 감사합니다
seonsaengnim gamsahamnida
The phrase thank you to teacher in Korean is 선생님 감사합니다 (seonsaengnim gamsahamnida).
The phrase 선생님 감사합니다 is the standard, respectful way for a student to express gratitude to a teacher in both spoken and written Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression for thank you, 감사합니다, is the formal and polite form of the verb meaning to be grateful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard form 선생님 감사합니다 is polite and formal. For a slightly less formal but still polite way to say thank you, you can use 선생님 고마워요. To express even deeper appreciation formally, you can use 정말로 감사드립니다 or to say you are always grateful, use 항상 감사드립니다.
How do you pronounce it?
seonsaengnim gamsahamnida
Did you know?
- The root of 선생 literally means 'born first', reflecting a Confucian cultural view that age and experience are the primary foundations of authority.
- In Korea, the word 선생님 is often used as a polite way to address any adult stranger or professional, regardless of whether they are actually a teacher.
- When saying 선생님 감사합니다, it is common to accompany the phrase with a slight bow to visually demonstrate the level of respect implied by the grammar.
Example conversation
A student is leaving the classroom after a lesson.
- 서연 Seo-yeon선생님 감사합니다.seonsaengnim gamsahamnida.Thank you, teacher.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래요, 조심해서 가세요.geuraeyo, josimhaeseo gaseyo.You're welcome, get home safely.
- 서연 Seo-yeon내일 뵙겠습니다.naeil boepgetseumnida.I will see you tomorrow.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 내일 봐요.ne, naeil bwayo.Yes, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감사합니다, 선생님, CC BY-SA 4.0.
