One of those words that brings joy to both the speaker and the listener alike is thank you. When we say thank you to someone to show our appreciation for their good actions, we feel pleased. In the same way, when someone else thanks us for our help, we feel happy too.
Saying thank you is more than just polite behavior in Korean culture. It is essential for building lasting connections. In Korean, there are many ways to say thank you. You can use a simple ‘감사합니다’ (gamsahamnida) or some other expressions for special occasions.
If you want to develop strong bonds with Korean people, it's important to understand when and how they use these expressions. The Korean language can be difficult to learn because it has many levels of formality. But do not worry, in this article, we have discussed 60+ ways to say thank you in Korean.
How Do We Say Thank You in Korean in Formal Language
There are various methods to say "thank you" since hierarchy and respect are valued in Korean society. Depending on an individual's age or status, native Korean speakers speak to one another in different ways. In Korean, 감사합니다 (gam sa ham nida) is a frequently used expression that means "thank you."
It can be used in a formal situation, with strangers, and with those who are older than you because it makes use of formal and respectful language. You can use this word to show gratitude in everyday life. The Korean term 감사, or "gamsa," means appreciation or gratitude. The meaning of 합니다 (hamnida) is to do. When you combine them, you get 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) which means to grant gratitude). 고맙습니다 (go-map-seup-ni-da) is another word used to express thank you in formal situations.
Saying "thank you" in a formal manner is always the safest option, and you can use it with everyone you meet. This is the most appropriate expression to use in formal settings, such as while talking with your supervisor or teacher or giving a presentation. Here are a few ways to say thank you in Korean:
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida): This is the most common and polite way to say "thank you" in Korean. It's suitable for most formal situations.
- 고맙습니다 (Go맙습니다): This is another polite way to express gratitude. It's slightly less formal than "감사합니다."
- 대단히 감사합니다 (Daedanhi gamsahamnida): This phrase expresses deep gratitude and is often used in very formal settings.
- 매우 감사합니다 (Maeu gamsahamnida): This means "very thankful" and is more formal than "감사합니다."
- 깊이 감사드립니다 (Gipi gamsadeurimnida): This phrase expresses sincere and profound gratitude.
- 진심으로 감사드립니다 (Jinshim-euro gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you sincerely" and is suitable for formal occasions.
- 잘 부탁드립니다 (Jal butakdeurimnida): This phrase literally means "please take good care of me," but it's often used as a polite way to say "thank you" after receiving a favor or help.
- 수고하셨습니다 (Sugohasyeosseumnida): This means "you've worked hard" and is often used to thank someone for their efforts.
- 노고에 감사드립니다 (Nogoe gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you for your hard work" and is suitable for formal occasions.
- 귀한 말씀 감사합니다 (Gwihan malsum gamsahamnida): This means "thank you for your kind words" and is often used in response to compliments or encouragement.
- 따뜻한 말씀 감사합니다 (Tatteushan malsum gamsahamnida): This means "thank you for your warm words" and is suitable for expressing gratitude for kind or comforting words.
- 배려에 감사드립니다 (Baerye gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you for your consideration" and is often used to express gratitude for someone's thoughtfulness.
- 도움에 감사드립니다 (Do-ume gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you for your help" and is a straightforward way to express gratitude for assistance.
- 협조에 감사드립니다 (Hyeopjoe gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you for your cooperation" and is often used in business or professional settings.
- 지원에 감사드립니다 (Jiweone gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you for your support" and is suitable for expressing gratitude for encouragement or assistance.
- 배려해 주셔서 감사합니다 (Baeryehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida): This is a more formal way to say "thank you for your consideration."
- 도움을 주셔서 감사합니다 (Do-umeul jusyeoseo gamsahamnida): This is a more formal way to say "thank you for your help."
- 협조해 주셔서 감사합니다 (Hyeopjoehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida): This is a more formal way to say "thank you for your cooperation."
- 지원해 주셔서 감사합니다 (Jiweonhae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida): This is a more formal way to say "thank you for your support."
- 언제나 감사드립니다 (Eonjena gamsadeurimnida): This means "thank you always" and is a way to express ongoing gratitude.
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How to Say Thank You in Korean Words Casually
It's important to understand when to use formal and polite words when speaking Korean. However, understanding when to use informal language is equally important. 고마워 (go-ma-wo) is a word most commonly used to express gratitude in informal situations. It is frequently used with friends, peers, and in casual settings where there is a greater degree of ease and understanding.
In Korean, politeness levels have a direct impact on word choice. That is why, you must understand when to express gratitude to loved ones, friends, the elderly, etc. 고마워요 (Gomawoyo) is another word used to show gratitude in informal situations. It is commonly used to talk to people who are not very close to you but they have similar age or position as you.
It is the most typical way to express thankfulness in Korean because it is useful in a variety of situations. Here are a few other ways to thank you so much in the Korean language in casual situations:
- 고마워 (Gomawo): This is the most common and casual way to say "thank you" in Korean. It's suitable for friends, family, and close acquaintances.
- 고마워요 (Gomawoyo): This is a slightly more polite version of "고마워" and is often used when addressing someone older or more respected.
- 감사 (Gamsa): This is a shortened version of "감사합니다" and is also considered casual.
- 수고했어 (Sugohaesseo): This means "you've worked hard" and is often used to thank someone for their efforts.
- 잘했어 (Jalhaesseo): This means "you did well" and is often used to thank someone for a job well done.
- 도와줘서 고마워 (Dowajwoseo gomawo): This means "thank you for helping me" and is a more specific way to express gratitude.
- 배려해줘서 고마워 (Baeryehaejwoseo gomawo): This means "thank you for being considerate" and is a way to express gratitude for someone's thoughtfulness.
- 신경써줘서 고마워 (Sin-gyeong-sseojwoseo gomawo): This means "thank you for taking care of me" and is a way to express gratitude for someone's attention.
- 귀찮은데도 도와줘서 고마워 (Gwichanneundedo dowajwoseo gomawo): This means "thank you for helping me even though it was inconvenient" and is a way to express extra gratitude.
- 맛있어 (Mashiteo): This means "it's delicious" and is often used to thank someone for a meal.
- 재밌어 (Jaemiteo): This means "it's fun" and is often used to thank someone for a good time.
- 고마운 줄 알아 (Gomaun jul ara): This means "know that I'm grateful" and is a way to express gratitude without using the word "thank you."
- 너 덕분에 (Neo deokbune): This means "thanks to you" and is a way to attribute a positive outcome to someone's help.
- 힘이 돼줘서 고마워 (Him-i dwaejwoseo gomawo): This means "thank you for being a source of strength" and is a way to express deep gratitude.
- 내가 뭘 해줄까? 고마워 (Naega mwol hae julkka? Gomawo): This means "how can I repay you? Thank you" and is a way to offer to do something in return.
- 너 아니었으면 어쩔 뻔했어 (Neo anieoseumyeon eojeol pponeosseo): This means "I don't know what I would have done without you" and is a way to express profound gratitude.
- 고마워. 정말 (Gomawo. Jeongmal): This means "thank you. Really" and is a way to emphasize gratitude.
- 너무 고마워 (Neomu gomawo): This means "thank you so much" and is a way to express deep gratitude.
- 고마워. 잊지 않을게 (Gomawo. Itji anh-eulge): This means "thank you. I won't forget" and is a way to express gratitude and a promise to remember someone's kindness.
- 고마워. 사랑해 (Gomawo. Saranghae): This means "thank you. I love you" and is a way to express gratitude and affection.
How Do I Say Thank You in Korean In Everyday Life:
Saying "thank you" in Korean is not just about speaking the words; it's also about showing respect and manners. Who you are speaking with determines how formal you should be. Koreans' polite etiquette and speech levels indicate how formal you should be when speaking with someone.
You can express your gratitude in Korean in a variety of ways. Koreans express the favor in a variety of ways. They change the grammatical structure of phrases and use honorific titles. Here are different ways to say thank you in Korean in everyday life:
- 정말 감사합니다 (Jeongmal gamsahamnida): This means "thank you very much" and expresses sincere gratitude.
- 많이 감사합니다 (Manhi gamsahamnida): This also means "thank you very much" and is another way to express deep gratitude.
- 감사한 마음입니다 (Gamsahamnida meom-imnida): This translates to "I am grateful" and expresses a sense of appreciation.
- 감사드립니다 (Gamsadeurimnida): This is a more formal way to say "thank you" and is often used in business or official settings.
- 고마운 줄 알아요 (Gomaun jul araayo): This means "I know I'm grateful" and expresses a sense of appreciation.
- 신세를 지고 있습니다 (Sinse-reul jigo issseumnida): This translates to "I'm indebted to you" and expresses gratitude for a favor or kindness.
- 덕분에 (Deokbune): This means "thanks to you" and expresses gratitude for something that has happened because of someone else.
- 잘 받았습니다 (Jal bataesseumnida): This means "I received it well" and is used to express gratitude for a gift or favor.
- 고맙게 생각합니다 (Gomagge saenggakhamnida): This means "I think gratefully" and expresses a sense of appreciation.
- 감사한 마음으로 (Gamsahamnida meom-euro): This means "with a grateful heart" and expresses a sense of gratitude.
- 고마운 줄 알겠습니다 (Gomaun jul algessseumnida): This means "I will know to be grateful" and expresses a commitment to remember and appreciate a favor or kindness.
- 감사합니다. 도움이 되었습니다 (Gamsahamnida. Do-eum-i doeeossseumnida): This means "thank you. It was helpful" and expresses gratitude for assistance.
- 감사합니다. 잘 쓰겠습니다 (Gamsahamnida. Jal sseugessseumnida): This means "thank you. I will use it well" and is used to express gratitude for a gift.
- 감사합니다. 잘 먹겠습니다 (Gamsahamnida. Jal meoggessseumnida): This means "thank you. I will eat well" and is used to express gratitude for a meal.
- 대단히 감사합니다. (Daedanhi gamsahamnida.) - This is a very formal and respectful way to say "thank you," often used for significant favors or kindness.
- 정말 고맙습니다. (Jeongmal gomabseumnida.) - This means "thank you very much" and expresses sincere gratitude.
- 덕분에요. (Deokbuneyo.) - This means "thanks to you" and expresses gratitude for something that has happened because of someone else.
- 고마운 줄 알아요. (Gomaun jul araayo.) - This means "I know I'm grateful" and expresses a sense of appreciation.
- 신세를 지고 있습니다. (Sinse-reul jigo issseumnida.) - This means "I'm indebted to you" and expresses gratitude for a favor or kindness.
- 고마운 줄 알겠습니다. (Gomaun jul algessseumnida.) - This means "I will know to be grateful" and expresses a commitment to remember and appreciate a favor or kindness.
- 마음에 들어요. (Ma-eume deureoyo.) - This means "I like it" and can be used to express gratitude for a gift or compliment.
Conclusion
In short, the Korean language has different levels of formality. We've gone over several methods to say thank you in Korean. It facilitates a close bond between you and Korean culture and people. Each phrase serves a specific purpose in explaining Korea's complex social norms.
Knowing which one to use and with whom is important because it can prevent you from accidentally upsetting someone and from putting yourself in a potentially embarrassing situation.