μ–Έμ–΄ κ΅ν™˜ Language Exchange/ν•œκ΅­μ–΄ 배우기 Learn Korean

[Learn][Korean] How to Say "Thank You" in Korean: κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ, κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš”, κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€, κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš”

5hr1rnp 2025. 2. 10. 00:00
λ°˜μ‘ν˜•

Expressing gratitude is an essential part of any language, and in Korean, there are multiple ways to say "thank you" depending on the level of formality and the situation. Understanding when to use κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ, κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš”, κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€, and κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš” will help you sound more natural and polite in different contexts.


1. κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ (gamsahamnida) – The Most Formal "Thank You"


βœ… Politeness Level: Very formal (μ‘΄λŒ“λ§)
βœ… When to Use: In professional settings, with elders, or when showing deep gratitude
βœ… Literal Meaning: "I express my thanks."

κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ is the most polite and formal way to say "thank you" in Korean. It is commonly used in workplaces, with strangers, in customer service interactions, and in situations where you need to show respect.

Examples:

  • 식사 λ§›μžˆκ²Œ 잘 λ¨Ήμ—ˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€!
    (The meal was delicious. Thank you!)
  • λ„μ™€μ£Όμ…”μ„œ κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    (Thank you for your help.)

If you're unsure which form of "thank you" to use, κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ is the safest choice.


2. κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš” (gamsahaeyo) – Polite but Less Formal


βœ… Politeness Level: Polite but softer than κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
βœ… When to Use: With acquaintances, in casual business settings, or in a warm but respectful manner
βœ… Literal Meaning: "I give thanks."

κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš” is less formal than κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ but still polite. While it is grammatically correct, κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ is much more commonly used in polite speech, so you won’t hear κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš” as often.

Examples:

  • μ„ λ¬Ό λ„ˆλ¬΄ λ§ˆμŒμ— λ“€μ–΄μš”. κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš”!
    (I really like the gift. Thank you!)
  • μ™€μ€˜μ„œ κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš”.
    (Thank you for coming.)

3. κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš” (gomawoyo) – Polite Yet Friendly


βœ… Politeness Level: Polite (μ‘΄λŒ“λ§) but softer than κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€
βœ… When to Use: With acquaintances, colleagues, and people you respect but in a more personal way
βœ… Literal Meaning: "I am grateful."

κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš” is a polite way to say "thank you" that feels more casual and warm compared to κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. It’s great for situations where you want to be respectful but also friendly.

Examples:

  • λ§›μžˆλŠ” μŒμ‹ λ§Œλ“€μ–΄μ€˜μ„œ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš”!
    (Thank you for making delicious food!)
  • 항상 λ„μ™€μ€˜μ„œ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš”.
    (Thank you for always helping me.)

This form is frequently used between friends who still maintain some level of politeness, such as a younger person speaking to an older colleague or an acquaintance.


728x90
λ°˜μ‘ν˜•

4. κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ (gomawo) – The Casual "Thanks"


βœ… Politeness Level: Informal (반말)
βœ… When to Use: With close friends, younger people, or in very casual settings
βœ… Literal Meaning: "I am thankful."

κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ is the casual way to say "thank you" and is commonly used among friends, siblings, and people of the same age. Since it's 반말 (informal speech), avoid using it with elders or people you should show respect to.

Examples:

  • μ„ λ¬Ό μ‚¬μ€˜μ„œ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ!
    (Thanks for buying me a gift!)
  • λ„μ™€μ€˜μ„œ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ.
    (Thanks for helping me.)

Using κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ with someone who expects politeness might come off as rude, so be mindful of the context.


5. κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ vs. κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš” – Which One Should You Use?


If you’re unsure which one to use, κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ is the safest and most respectful choice!


6. Other Ways to Express Gratitude in Korean


βœ” 정말 κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. → "Thank you very much." (Very formal)
βœ” μ§„μ‹¬μœΌλ‘œ κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. → "Thank you sincerely." (Very formal)
βœ” κ³ λ§™μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. → A formal version of "κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš”," slightly less common than κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
βœ” λ„ˆλ¬΄ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ! → "Thanks a lot!" (Very casual)
βœ” κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ, 친ꡬ! → "Thanks, my friend!"


7. Final Thoughts


Now you know how to say "thank you" in Korean depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to.

  • Use κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ in formal situations.
  • Use κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œμš” in friendly but polite situations.
  • Use κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ when speaking casually with close friends.

By using the correct level of formality, you’ll sound more natural and respectful in Korean conversations!

λ°˜μ‘ν˜•