In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!
Table of Contents
- 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Korean
- Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
- Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
- Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
- How KoreanClass101 Can Help You
So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Korean? You can learn easily! Below, KoreanClass101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Korean speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.
1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Korean
1- Thank you.
고마워요.
Gomawoeyo.
The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!
2- That’s very kind of you.
정말 친절하세요.
Jeongmal chinjeolhaseyo.
This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.
3- Thanks for your kind words!
좋은 말씀 감사합니다!
Joeun malsseum gamsahamnida.
Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!
4- Thank you for coming today.
오늘 와 주셔서 감사합니다.
Oneul wa jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Korean speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Korean guests!
5- Thank you for your consideration.
생각해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Saenggakae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.
6- Thanks a lot!
정말 고마워요!
Jeongmal gomawoyo!
This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Korean. Use this in an informal setting with your Korean friends or teachers.
7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.
선생님 같은 분은 찾기 힘들어요.
Seonsaengnim gateun buneun chatgi himdeureoyo.
Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your KoreanClass101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!
8- Thank you for spending time with us.
함께 해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Hamkke hae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
Any host at a gathering with Korean speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Korean language teacher for her time.
9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.
제가 나아질 수 있게 인내심을 갖고 도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Jega naajil su itge innaesimeul gatgo dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Korean teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Korea, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!
10- You’re the best teacher ever!
선생님이 최고예요!
Seonsaengnimi choegoyeyo!
This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!
11- Thank you for the gift.
선물 고마워요.
Seonmul gomawoyo.
This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.
12- I have learned so much thanks to you.
선생님 덕분에 정말 많이 배웠어요.
Seonsaengnim deokbune jeongmal mani baewosseoyo.
What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.
2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
In Korea, there are numerous ways to say “thank you.” The level of respect differs according to relationship.
1- 감사합니다. (gamsahamnida)
First, we’ll take a look at the phrase we use toward strangers and to those that we wish to respect. The first “thank you” is gamsahamnida (감사합니다). It’s respectful, commonly heard, quick, and easy. You will probably hear this form most frequently.
2- 고맙습니다. (gomapseumnida)
Next is gomapseumnida (고맙습니다). This is respectful and we can use it toward strangers as well. Koreans don’t use it quite as frequently as gamsahamnida, but it’s still very common. The two that we have covered so far are nearly identical in terms of respect. The first, gamsahamnida, is a tiny bit more respectful than gomapseumnida, but it’s only a very slight difference.
3- 대단히 감사합니다. (daedanhi gamsahamnida)
Koreans don’t use this next one every day; rather, they use it for special occasions when someone has really broken his or her back to do you a favor. This form offers the highest level of gratitude. This “thank you” is daedanhi gamsahamnida (대단히 감사합니다). Literally, this means “great thanks.”
4- 고마워. (gomawo)
Last is the informal “thank you,” which you should only use with close and intimate friends and family (an uncle you are meeting for the first time doesn’t cut it!). This informal form is gomawo (고마워). There are a few relationships with which the informal language is acceptable to use. For more on that, check out Quick Tip 1.
It is important to be as polite and respectful as possible. So if you’re ever in doubt, use the formal “thank you,” gamsahamnida or gomapseumnida (감사합니다 or 고맙습니다).
Cultural Insights
Quick Tip #1: Helpful Hints About Formality
In Korean, there are numerous ways to say “thank you.” We can categorize anything said in Korean into two broad categories: formal and informal. As Korea is a Confucian society based on hierarchy, people will either be above your level, at your level, or below your level. And this is how we decide which form of “thank you” to use.
For example, if you are meeting someone for the first time, you must use formal language as you would want to be as respectful possible. You should also use the formal form toward your teacher, your boss, your coworker, and those older than you (for more on age, check out Quick Tip 2).
You should only use the informal gomawo (고마워) with those you are sure you will not offend by being informal with them. You should use it with people you have known for a while and are comfortable with. Here are some examples of relationships where it is proper for you to use the informal form:
- A cousin that you grew up with and know very well
- Little children
- Classmates (sometimes)
- A best friend
For most other relationships, it’s important to use formal phrases. If you are ever unsure, stick with the formal. The formal thank you is gamsahamnida (감사합니다) or gomapseumnida (고맙습니다).
Quick Tip 2: Respecting Your Elders in Korea
In Korea, age plays an extremely important role in relationship dynamics. If someone is older than you (even if only by a few years), it is sometimes acceptable for the older person to use informal language toward you. But sometimes you are still expected to use formal language toward them. As age plays a very significant role in Korea, it dramatically affects how we use the Korean language.
On the run to Korea? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Korean language will only improve their impression of you! KoreanClass101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Korean in no time!
3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Korean, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Korean in Korea!
Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!
At KoreanClass101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Korean that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Korea, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Korean’ again…!
4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.
5. Why would KoreanClass101 be the perfect choice to learn Korean?
However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Korean – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Korean friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!
KoreanClass101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases
With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At KoreanClass101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.
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Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Korean on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.
