Korean Expressions of Gratitude
Basic Expressions of Gratitude
감사합니다 (Gam sah hab ni da)
This is the most general and formal way to say "Thank you," used in everyday conversation, when receiving services, or in formal situations.
Example: (Thank you for your help!)
도와 주셔서 감사합니다 ( do wa ju syeo seo gam sa hab ni da )
고맙습니다 (Go map seum ni da)
Similar to "감사합니다, (gam sa hab ni da) " this is another polite expression of gratitude, friendly yet still respectful, for everyday conversations.
Example: Thank you for sharing useful information.)
좋은 정보 알려주셔서 고맙습니다.
(joh eun jeong bo al lyeo jusyeoseo go mab seub ni da.)
고마워요 (Go ma wo yo)
A less formal but still respectful way of saying "Thank you," often used with friends or people you are close to.
Example: (Thanks so much for helping me today.)
오늘 도와줘서 정말 고마워요."
o neul do wa jwo seo jeong mal go ma wo yo
Casual Expressions of Gratitude
고마워 (Go ma wo)
A very casual way to say "Thanks," used with close friends or family members, such as people of the same age or younger.
Example: Thanks for the delicious food!
"맛있는 음식 고마워!"
mas iss neun eum sig go ma wo
정말 고마워요 (jeong mal go ma wo yo)
Adding “정말” (jeongmal) or "really" emphasizes the gratitude, making it mean "Thank you very much."
Example: (Thank you so much. It was a big help!)
정말 고마워요. 큰 도움이 되었어요!"
jeong mal goma woyo. keun doum i doe eoss eo yo!
Responses to Expressions of Gratitude
별말씀을요 (Byeol mal sseum eul yo)
This means “You’re welcome” and is a humble way to accept someone’s gratitude, meaning "It’s nothing" or "Don’t mention it."
Example: You’re welcome. I’ll help anytime
별말씀을요, 언제든지 도와드릴게요
byeol mal sseum eul yo, eon je deun ji dowa deu lil ge yo
천만에요 (Cheon man eyo)
A polite way to respond to “Thank you” in formal situations, meaning "No problem" or "It’s nothing."
Example: You’re very welcome, I enjoyed it too.)