How to Say Thank You in Korean is one of the most useful phrases you can learn when starting the language. If you’re visiting Korea, watching K-dramas, or communicating with Korean speakers, knowing how to express gratitude politely is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore formal, casual, and polite ways to say thank you, so you can use the right phrase in every situation.
Understanding how to say thank you in Korean also helps you show respect, which is highly valued in Korean culture. There are different levels of politeness depending on who you’re speaking to. With practice, saying thank you in Korean will become a natural part of your everyday vocabulary.
Say Thank You in Korean:
Here are 15 different ways to say thank you in Korean, complete with real-world examples and cultural context!
1. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – Formal
Origin:
This is the most common formal way of saying thank you. It combines “감사” (thanks) with “합니다” (formal ending of “to do”).
Example:
👤 User A: 도와주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you for helping me.)
👤 User B: 천만에요. (You’re welcome.)
Use: In business, with elders, strangers, or anyone deserving respect.
2. 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) – Formal
Origin:
Another polite version; “고맙다” is the native Korean word for thankful. This version is also formal, just slightly more casual than “감사합니다.”
Example:
👤 User A: 선물 정말 고맙습니다. (Thank you so much for the gift.)
👤 User B: 별말씀을요. (Don’t mention it.)
Use: Formal yet warm—often used in announcements or formal writing.
3. 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo) – Polite
Origin:
A softened, polite version of “감사합니다,” using the “-해요” style for friendliness.
Example:
👤 User A: 우산 빌려줘서 감사해요. (Thanks for lending me your umbrella.)
👤 User B: 언제든지요. (Anytime.)
Use: Friendly and polite; great for colleagues or acquaintances.
4. 고마워요 (gomawoyo) – Polite
Origin:
A polite version of “고마워.” Combines the native word for thankful with the polite “-요” ending.
Example:
👤 User A: 도와줘서 고마워요. (Thanks for helping me.)
👤 User B: 천만에요. (You’re welcome.)
Use: Slightly more casual than “감사해요”; still respectful.
5. 고마워 (gomawo) – Casual
Origin:
Informal version of “thank you” used with close friends, younger people, or in texting.
Example:
👤 User A: 톡 해줘서 고마워! (Thanks for messaging me!)
👤 User B: 별거 아니야~ (It’s nothing!)
Use: Only use with friends, family, or those younger than you.
6. 정말 감사합니다 (jeongmal gamsahamnida) – Very formal
Origin:
“정말” means “really.” Adding it shows deeper sincerity.
Example:
👤 User A: 이 자리에 초대해주셔서 정말 감사합니다. (Thank you so much for inviting me.)
👤 User B: 저희가 영광입니다. (The honor is ours.)
Use: Public speeches, award acceptance, or formal writing.
7. 진심으로 감사합니다 (jinsimeuro gamsahamnida) – Heartfelt formal
Origin:
“진심으로” means “sincerely” or “from the heart.”
Example:
👤 User A: 진심으로 감사합니다. 덕분에 성공했어요.
👤 User B: 그렇게 말씀해주시니 기쁘네요.
Use: Deep, heartfelt thanks; often used in emotional or formal moments.
8. 대단히 감사합니다 (daedanhi gamsahamnida) – Great thanks
Origin:
“대단히” means “greatly” or “extremely.” Very formal and used for deep gratitude.
Example:
👤 User A: 대단히 감사합니다. 큰 도움이 됐어요.
👤 User B: 아닙니다, 당연히 도와드려야죠.
Use: Very formal; common in speeches, business letters, or customer service.
9. 고마워요, 진짜 (gomawoyo, jinjja) – Casual + sincere
Origin:
Adds “진짜” (really) to show emphasis. Informal and sincere.
Example:
👤 User A: 시간 내줘서 고마워요, 진짜.
👤 User B: 괜찮아요, 저도 즐거웠어요.
Use: Close friends or acquaintances; casual and heartfelt.
10. 고마워~ (gomawo~) – Texting or cute tone
Origin:
The tilde (~) adds friendliness or cuteness in texts or casual speech.
Example:
👤 User A: 선물 고마워~
👤 User B: 마음에 들었으면 좋겠어~ 😊
Use: Casual, sweet, and often used in chats or with partners.
11. 감사드립니다 (gamsadeurimnida) – Ultra-formal
Origin:
Adds the honorific verb “드리다” (to give respectfully). Used to elevate the subject being thanked.
Example:
👤 User A: 귀한 시간 내주셔서 감사드립니다.
👤 User B: 좋은 결과 있기를 바랍니다.
Use: Very formal—used in customer service, politics, or public relations.
12. 고맙다 (gomapda) – Plain form
Origin:
The dictionary (base) form of “thankful.” Neutral and often used in writing or casual speech.
Example:
👤 User A: 나, 진심으로 고맙다.
👤 User B: 나도 네가 있어 고마워.
Use: Casual but sincere; often appears in dramas or written letters.
13. 감사해 (gamsahae) – Casual of 감사해요
Origin:
Casualized from “감사해요.” Still polite but informal.
Example:
👤 User A: 오늘 도와줘서 감사해.
👤 User B: 별 말씀을!
Use: Friendly, respectful casual speech.
14. 복 받으세요 (bok badeuseyo) – Blessing as thanks
Origin:
Literally means “May you be blessed.” A way to thank someone deeply in Korean culture.
Example:
👤 User A: 도와주셔서 정말 감사합니다. 복 받으세요!
👤 User B: 좋은 일만 가득하시길 바래요!
Use: Common when thanking elders or strangers who helped generously.
15. 너무 고마워요 (neomu gomawoyo) – Very thankful
Origin:
“너무” adds intensity—“so” or “very” thankful.
Example:
👤 User A: 너무 고마워요! 생각지도 못했어요.
👤 User B: 그런 말씀 마세요~
Use: Casual but deeply sincere; often in face-to-face thanks.
Conclusion:
🙏 Now that you’ve learned how to say thank you in Korean, you’re ready to show appreciation in a respectful and culturally appropriate way. If you’re speaking to friends, elders, or strangers, using the right phrase makes a great impression.
Keep practicing how to say thank you in Korean to build stronger connections and improve your fluency.
It’s a simple yet powerful expression that reflects kindness, respect, and good manners in Korean culture.
With time, these phrases will become second nature in your conversations. So don’t hesitate to use how to say thank you in Korean every chance you get!
