thank you in korean
How to Say "Thank You" in Korean (고마워 / 감사합니다): All Levels
감사합니다
gamsahamnida
Quick answer
Say 고마워 (gomawo) to a friend and 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) in formal settings — both mean thank you in Korean but belong to different social registers.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 고마워 | gomawo | Said to close friends or younger people — warm and informal. 고마워 feels personal and sincere, not stiff. One of the most frequently spoken words in K-dramas among close characters. |
| polite | 고마워요 | gomawoyo | Slightly more polite than 고마워, yet warmer than 감사합니다 — a friendly middle ground for acquaintances, new coworkers, or anyone you'd address with -요 but want to sound warm toward. |
| formal | 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Standard in shops, offices, service settings, or any situation requiring full politeness. The safe default when you're unsure of the social level. |
| really thank you | 정말 감사합니다 | jeongmal gamsahamnida | Adding 정말 (jeongmal, really/truly) deepens the sincerity — used in emotionally meaningful moments like receiving an award, thanking a mentor, or expressing genuine gratitude for help. |
How it changes by relationship
고마워!
Gomawo!
to a close friend or younger person: Light and natural — the constant background music of K-drama friendships. Easy to say, warmly received.
고마워요.
Gomawoyo.
to someone a bit older (polite): Adds a soft respectful tone without becoming stiff. Korean learners who only know 감사합니다 often miss this sweet spot — 고마워요 gets the balance right in many everyday situations.
감사합니다.
Gamsahamnida.
to a senior, stranger, or in service settings: Safe choice anywhere you're unsure of the social level — shop staff, restaurant servers, and service workers all use and expect this level.
정말 감사합니다.
Jeongmal gamsahamnida.
in a heartfelt or emotional moment: Used when genuinely moved — a doctor thanking a colleague, an artist accepting recognition, or someone expressing thanks for exceptional kindness.
Examples
도와줘서 고마워!
Dowajwoseo gomawo!
Thanks for helping me!
선물 감사합니다.
Seonmul gamsahamnida.
Thank you for the gift.
항상 고마워요.
Hangsang gomawoyo.
I'm always thankful.
Usage note
A common mistake for English speakers learning Korean: using 감사합니다 with everyone because it feels like 'the formal thank you.' But in reality, 고마워요 is often warmer and more natural in everyday interactions — constantly saying 감사합니다 to people you're friendly with can create emotional distance instead of conveying gratitude. The rule of thumb: if you'd use 반말 (casual speech) with someone, 고마워 is right; if you'd use 존댓말 (polite speech), 고마워요 is often the best choice before reaching for 감사합니다.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "thank you" here?
FAQ
What's the difference between 고마워 and 감사합니다?
Both mean thank you. 고마워 (gomawo) is casual and warm, for close relationships. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is formal, for professional or respectful contexts. See gomawo-vs-kamsahamnida for a deeper comparison.
How do I say 'thank you so much'?
정말 감사합니다 (jeongmal gamsahamnida) formally, or 너무 고마워 (neomu gomawo) / 정말 고마워 (jeongmal gomawo) casually — both are natural and frequently used.
What's the reply to thank you in Korean?
Common replies: 아니에요 (anieyo, no, it's nothing / don't mention it), 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo, you're welcome — formal and a bit stiff), or just 응 (eung, yeah) between friends. See welcome for more options.
How do I say thank you formally to a Korean elder or boss?
감사합니다 is always appropriate. For deeper thanks, 정말 감사드립니다 (jeongmal gamsa-deurimnida) uses the humble form 드리다 (to humbly give/offer), making it even more deferential.
Is 고맙습니다 the same as 감사합니다?
고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) is the formal version of 고마워, derived from a different verb root but meaning the same thing. Both are polite and natural; 감사합니다 is slightly more common in formal settings.
Can I just say 감사 alone, like a quick 'thanks'?
No — 감사 (gamsa) alone sounds incomplete. For a quick casual thanks, 고마워 or 땡큐 (ttaengkyu, from English 'thank you') are the natural choices among younger Koreans.