12 Essential Ways To Say 'Thank You' In Korean: The Ultimate Guide To Politeness Levels In 2025
Learning how to say 'thank you' in Korean is arguably the single most important step in mastering the language and its deep-seated culture of respect. Unlike English, where a simple "thank you" fits almost every situation, the Korean language is built on a complex hierarchy of politeness and formality, meaning you need to know exactly which phrase to use—and when—to avoid accidentally offending a superior, an elder, or even a new acquaintance. This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, breaks down the essential phrases, their proper context, and the cultural nuances you need to sound fluent and respectful.
The core of expressing gratitude in Korean revolves around two root words: Gam-sa (감사), which means 'gratitude' or 'appreciation,' and Go-map (고맙), which means 'thankful.' By learning the conjugations of these two words, you unlock a spectrum of expressions that cover everything from a quick nod to a deep, sincere thank you.
The Complete Politeness Spectrum: 12 Ways to Express Gratitude in Korean
The key to Korean is the level of speech, which is determined by the relationship and age difference between the speakers. We’ve categorized the essential "thank you" phrases from the most formal (used for superiors, elders, and public speeches) to the most casual (used only with close friends).
- Formal / High Honorific Speech (가장 격식): Reserved for highly formal settings, addressing a respected elder, a boss, or in public announcements.
- Standard Polite Speech (격식): The safe, default phrase for most adult interactions, strangers, service staff, and general polite conversation.
- Informal Polite Speech (반말 존댓말): Used with people you know well but still want to show a level of respect, such as older siblings, close co-workers, or acquaintances.
- Casual / Intimate Speech (반말): Only for people you are very close to, like best friends, children, or people younger than you.
1. 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – The Universal Formal "Thank You"
This is the most common and safest way to say "thank you" in Korean. It uses the root gam-sa (gratitude) and the high honorific ending -hamnida (합니다).
- Hangeul: 감사합니다
- Romanization: Gamsahamnida
- Usage: Use this with anyone you don't know well, elders, teachers, superiors, or in any business setting. When in doubt, use Gamsahamnida.
2. 고맙습니다 (Gomapseumnida) – The Standard Polite Alternative
This phrase is virtually interchangeable with Gamsahamnida in terms of formality. It uses the root go-map (thankful) and the same formal ending.
- Hangeul: 고맙습니다
- Romanization: Gomapseumnida
- Usage: Standard polite speech. While both are formal, Gamsahamnida is often slightly preferred in very high-stakes or business environments.
3. 고마워요 (Gomawoyo) – The Friendly, Polite "Thanks"
This is the standard polite form of the go-map root, often heard in K-Dramas between friends or colleagues who are close but still use polite language. It's less formal than the -seumnida endings.
- Hangeul: 고마워요
- Romanization: Gomawoyo
- Usage: Use this with people you are friendly with, but who are not your closest friends, or if you are speaking to someone slightly older but the setting is casual.
4. 고마워 (Gomawo) – The Casual "Thanks"
This is the informal, non-honorific version, also known as banmal (반말). It should only be used with people you are close with and who are the same age or younger than you.
- Hangeul: 고마워
- Romanization: Gomawo
- Usage: Close friends, family members, or children. Using this with an older or unfamiliar person is considered rude.
5. ㄱㅅ (GS) – The Slang/Texting Abbreviation
This is the digital-age way to say thanks, primarily used in texting or online chatrooms. It is an abbreviation of Gam-sa (감사).
- Hangeul: ㄱㅅ
- Romanization: GS
- Usage: Texting, gaming, and online chat. Never use this in spoken conversation or formal writing.
Expressing Deep Gratitude and Specific Situations
To truly sound like a native speaker and show topical authority, you need to move beyond the basic phrases and use situation-specific expressions of thanks. These phrases are often more meaningful and culturally significant.
6. 대단히 감사합니다 (Daedanhi Gamsahamnida) – Thank You Very Much
To add a strong emphasis, you can place an adverb like daedanhi (대단히 - greatly) before gamsahamnida. This expresses deep, sincere appreciation and is highly formal.
- Hangeul: 대단히 감사합니다
- Romanization: Daedanhi Gamsahamnida
- Meaning: Thank you very much / I am greatly thankful.
7. 진심으로 감사합니다 (Jinsim-eulo Gamsahamnida) – Thank You Sincerely
This phrase is used when you want to convey a profound level of sincerity in your gratitude. Jinsim (진심) means 'sincerity' or 'truth.'
- Hangeul: 진심으로 감사합니다
- Romanization: Jinsim-eulo Gamsahamnida
- Meaning: Thank you sincerely.
8. 잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal Meokgetseumnida) – Thank You for the Meal (Before Eating)
This is a crucial phrase to know when someone is paying for your meal or cooking for you. It literally means "I will eat well," but it serves as a polite expression of thanks to the person providing the food.
- Hangeul: 잘 먹겠습니다
- Romanization: Jal Meokgetseumnida
- Usage: Said before you start eating, especially when being treated.
9. 잘 먹었습니다 (Jal Meogeotseumnida) – Thank You for the Meal (After Eating)
After finishing a meal, this is the proper way to thank the host, chef, or person who paid for the food. It means "I ate well."
- Hangeul: 잘 먹었습니다
- Romanization: Jal Meogeotseumnida
- Usage: Said after the meal is complete.
10. 수고하셨어요 (Sugo Hasyeosseoyo) – Thank You for Your Hard Work
This is one of the most frequently used phrases in Korean workplaces and daily life. It is said to someone who has just finished a task, a shift, or a period of work. It is a polite way of acknowledging their effort.
- Hangeul: 수고하셨어요
- Romanization: Sugo Hasyeosseoyo
- Usage: Polite and standard. A more formal alternative is Sugo Haesseumnida (수고했습니다).
11. 와 주셔서 감사합니다 (Wa Jusyeoseo Gamsahamnida) – Thank You for Coming
When hosting an event, a party, or a meeting, this is the phrase used to thank the attendees for their presence. It is a polite and comprehensive expression.
- Hangeul: 와 주셔서 감사합니다
- Romanization: Wa Jusyeoseo Gamsahamnida
- Usage: Formal setting when thanking people for attending.
The Crucial Step: How to Respond to a Korean "Thank You"
In many Korean contexts, there is no direct equivalent to "You're welcome." Instead, Koreans often use phrases that minimize the effort or suggest the favor was minor. This is tied to the cultural value of humility.
12. 아니에요 (Anieyo) – The Most Common Response: "It's nothing"
The most common and natural way to respond to Gamsahamnida or Gomawoyo is to say Anieyo, which literally means "It is not" or "No." The implied meaning is "It was nothing," or "Don't mention it."
- Hangeul: 아니에요
- Romanization: Anieyo
- Usage: The default, polite response in almost all situations.
Other Polite Responses
- 별말씀을요 (Byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo): A more formal and slightly old-fashioned way of saying, "Don't mention it" or "It was no big deal."
- 네 (Ne) / 예 (Yeh): In very casual or quick exchanges, simply responding with a polite "Yes" (meaning "Sure thing" or "Mhm") is sometimes acceptable.
Cultural Context: Why Politeness Levels Matter So Much
Understanding the cultural context behind these phrases is what elevates your Korean from textbook-level to natural fluency. The entire Korean language is structured around a hierarchical system (known as Jeondaetmal - 존댓말) where respect for elders (Seniors) and superiors is paramount.
Using the correct formality level—whether Gamsahamnida or Gomawo—is a subtle but powerful signal of your awareness of this social structure. Misusing a casual phrase (banmal) with an older person or a superior is not just a language mistake; it's a social faux pas that can be seen as disrespectful. Conversely, using overly formal language with a close friend can create an awkward distance.
When you hear phrases in K-Dramas, pay close attention to the relationship between the characters. A younger character will almost always use the polite -yo or -nida endings when speaking to an older character, even if they are friends, reinforcing the deep cultural value of respect.
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