How to Say Thank You in Korean

How to Say Thank You Changes with the Verb Ending

Korean places politeness in the ending of the verb rather than in a separate word, so the phrase alters in shape according to the person one is addressing. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is the formal polite level, and it is the one a visitor should use. It is correct with strangers, with shop and restaurant staff, and with anyone older or more senior in position. It cannot be too much so is a good default way to give thanks.

A Small Bow When Saying Thank You

A small nod of the head is often used when saying 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).

• 고맙습니다

  gomapseumnida

  ko-MAP-seum-ni-da

  Equally polite and interchangeable, from a native Korean root rather than a Sino-Korean one. Slightly warmer to many ears.

• 정말 감사합니다

  jeongmal gamsahamnida

  JUNG-mal kam-sa-HAM-ni-da

  Thank you very much, for something that genuinely helped.

• 고마워요

  gomawoyo

  ko-MA-wo-yo

  Polite but casual, between people of similar age who know each other. Risky for a visitor to guess at.

• 고마워

  gomawo

  ko-MA-wo

  Intimate. Close friends and family only — never with someone you have just met.