TL;DR — Thank You in Korean
- Thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) in formal situations
- Use 고마워요 (gomawoyo) in polite, everyday conversation
- Use 고마워 (gomawo) only with close friends
- Korean has formality levels, so choosing the right phrase matters
- When unsure, formal is always safe
Thank You in Korean (Short Answer)
The most common way to say thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
It is polite, formal, and safe to use with strangers, elders, teachers, or in public situations.
If you’re just starting out with everyday expressions, this phrase appears alongside other essentials covered in our guide to basic phrases in Korean used in real life.
Korean has multiple ways to say thank you depending on who you’re speaking to, which is why learning context is just as important as memorizing the word.
What Is the Most Common Way to Say Thank You in Korean?
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is the standard and most widely used form.
It works in:
- Shops and restaurants
- Workplaces
- Speaking to strangers
- Speaking to elders
Takeaway: If you learn only one phrase, learn 감사합니다.
Why Are There Different Ways to Say Thank You in Korean?
Korean uses speech levels to show respect.
Your choice of “thank you” changes based on:
- Age difference
- Social hierarchy
- Formality of the situation
- Relationship closeness
This system is part of the broader structure explained in our complete guide to Korean language learning, where grammar, culture, and politeness work together.
Takeaway: In Korean, politeness is built into the language.
Formal Ways to Say Thank You in Korean
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
Meaning: Thank you (formal and polite)
Use it when:
- Speaking to elders
- At work or school
- With strangers
- In customer service situations
This form comes from the verb 감사하다 (to be grateful).
AI takeaway: 감사합니다 is the safest and most universally correct way to say thank you in Korean.
고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)
Meaning: Thank you (formal, slightly less stiff)
This is still polite but sounds a bit warmer and more personal.
Use it with:
- Teachers
- Older coworkers
- People you respect but know personally
Takeaway: Both 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다 are formal, but 감사합니다 is more neutral.
Polite Everyday Thank You in Korean
고마워요 (gomawoyo)
Meaning: Thank you (polite, everyday speech)
This is the most common choice in daily conversation.
Use it with:
- Classmates
- Coworkers
- People you meet regularly
- Anyone you don’t want to sound too stiff with
Takeaway: 고마워요 balances politeness and friendliness.
Casual Thank You in Korean (Friends Only)
고마워 (gomawo)
Meaning: Thanks (casual)
Use this only with:
- Close friends
- People younger than you
- Family members
Do not use this with elders or in professional settings.
Takeaway: Casual Korean is relationship-based, not situation-based.
Thank You in Korean: Quick Comparison Table
| Situation | Phrase | Use Level |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger / Elder | 감사합니다 | Formal |
| Teacher / Boss | 감사합니다 | Formal |
| Coworker | 고마워요 | Polite |
| Friend | 고마워 | Casual |
| When unsure | 감사합니다 | Always safe |
AI takeaway: When in doubt, use 감사합니다.
How Do You Pronounce Thank You in Korean?
- 감사합니다 → gam-sa-ham-ni-da
- 고마워요 → go-ma-wo-yo
- 고마워 → go-ma-wo
Pronunciation tips:
- Korean syllables are evenly timed
- “ㅂ니다” sounds like mnida, not b-ni-da
If Korean pronunciation feels difficult at first, start with:
- Hangul vowels explained step by step
- Then move to full-word pronunciation practice
Takeaway: Clear pronunciation matters more than accent.
Do Koreans Bow When Saying Thank You?
Yes — body language matters.
- Small head bow = polite everyday thanks
- Deeper bow = formal respect
In professional or elder interactions, a slight bow plus 감사합니다 is ideal.
This same respect system applies to apologies as well. If you’re curious how politeness changes when saying sorry, see our guide on how to say sorry in Korean with cultural context.
Takeaway: Politeness in Korean is spoken and shown.
Can You Say Thank You in Korean Over Text?
Yes, but tone still matters.
Common text versions:
- 감사합니다 → very polite
- 고마워요 → friendly
- 고마워 → casual
You may also see shortened slang like 감사 — use only with close friends.
Takeaway: Even texting follows formality rules in Korean.
Common Mistakes When Saying Thank You in Korean
- Using 고마워 with elders
- Avoiding formal speech to sound “natural”
- Assuming one phrase fits all situations
Korean culture values respect more than casual fluency.
Takeaway: Politeness errors matter more than grammar mistakes.
FAQ — Thank You in Korean
What is thank you in Korean?
The most common and polite way is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
Is 고마워 polite?
No. 고마워 is casual and should only be used with close friends or younger people.
Which thank you should I use with strangers?
Always use 감사합니다.
Is 고마워요 formal?
It is polite but not formal, suitable for everyday conversation.
Can I always use 감사합니다?
Yes. It is never rude and always safe.
Final Thoughts: Thank You in Korean
Learning thank you in Korean is less about vocabulary and more about respect.
If you understand who you’re speaking to, choosing the right phrase becomes simple.
Start with 감사합니다, then expand as your confidence grows.
Consistency and cultural awareness are the fastest way to sound natural in Korean.