[Learn][Korean] How to Say "Thank You" in Korean: 고마워, 고마워요, 감사합니다, 감사해요

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 고마워, 고마워요, 감사합니다, and 감사해요 will help you sound more natural and polite in different contexts.

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1. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – The Most Formal "Thank You"

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✅ Politeness Level: Very formal (존댓말)
✅ When to Use: In professional settings, with elders, or when showing deep gratitude
✅ Literal Meaning: "I express my thanks."

감사합니다 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 맛있게 잘 먹었습니다. 감사합니다!
  (The meal was delicious. Thank you!)
• 도와주셔서 감사합니다.
  (Thank you for your help.)

If you're unsure which form of "thank you" to use, 감사합니다 is the safest choice.

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2. 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo) – Polite but Less Formal

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✅ Politeness Level: Polite but softer than 감사합니다
✅ When to Use: With acquaintances, in casual business settings, or in a warm but respectful manner
✅ Literal Meaning: "I give thanks."

감사해요 is less formal than 감사합니다 but still polite. While it is grammatically correct, 감사합니다 is much more commonly used in polite speech, so you won’t hear 감사해요 as often.

Examples:

• 선물 너무 마음에 들어요. 감사해요!
  (I really like the gift. Thank you!)
• 와줘서 감사해요.
  (Thank you for coming.)

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3. 고마워요 (gomawoyo) – Polite Yet Friendly

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✅ Politeness Level: Polite (존댓말) but softer than 감사합니다
✅ When to Use: With acquaintances, colleagues, and people you respect but in a more personal way
✅ Literal Meaning: "I am grateful."

고마워요 is a polite way to say "thank you" that feels more casual and warm compared to 감사합니다. It’s great for situations where you want to be respectful but also friendly.

Examples:

• 맛있는 음식 만들어줘서 고마워요!
  (Thank you for making delicious food!)
• 항상 도와줘서 고마워요.
  (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.

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4. 고마워 (gomawo) – The Casual "Thanks"

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

고마워 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:

• 선물 사줘서 고마워!
  (Thanks for buying me a gift!)
• 도와줘서 고마워.
  (Thanks for helping me.)

Using 고마워 with someone who expects politeness might come off as rude, so be mindful of the context.

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5. 감사합니다 vs. 고마워요 – Which One Should You Use?

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If you’re unsure which one to use, 감사합니다 is the safest and most respectful choice!

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6. Other Ways to Express Gratitude in Korean

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✔ 정말 감사합니다. → "Thank you very much." (Very formal)
✔ 진심으로 감사합니다. → "Thank you sincerely." (Very formal)
✔ 고맙습니다. → A formal version of "고마워요," slightly less common than 감사합니다.
✔ 너무 고마워! → "Thanks a lot!" (Very casual)
✔ 고마워, 친구! → "Thanks, my friend!"

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7. Final Thoughts

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

• Use 감사합니다 in formal situations.
• Use 고마워요 in friendly but polite situations.
• Use 고마워 when speaking casually with close friends.

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