Korean Dictionary
How to say "Grateful" in Korean
“Grateful” in Korean is 감사하다 (pronounced "Gamsahada").
감사하다
Gamsahada
Usage & Context
Expresses deep gratitude and appreciation. This is also the root of 감사합니다, the most common formal thank-you in Korean. Used frequently in Korean culture where expressing appreciation is a core social value.
Example Sentence
도와주셔서 정말 감사해요.
I'm really grateful for your help.
How to use 감사하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Grateful” is 감사하다, romanized as Gamsahada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 감사하다.
Pronunciation Guide
감 (gam) sounds like 'gahm' in 'gum'. 사 (sa) sounds like 'sah' in 'sahara'. 하 (ha) sounds like 'ha' in 'haha'. 다 (da) sounds like 'da' in 'data'. Put it together: 'Gahm-sah-ha-da'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
감사합니다
Gamsahamnida
The most common formal way to say 'thank you'.
Casual (반말)
감사해
Gamsahae
Common casual form, often used with close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Expressing gratitude for emotional support.
어려울 때 옆에 있어줘서 정말 감사해요.
I'm really grateful you were by my side during difficult times.
Expressing deep gratitude for repeated assistance.
매번 이렇게 도와주셔서 너무 감사드립니다.
Thank you very much for helping me every time.
Philosophical statement about gratitude.
작은 선물에도 감사할 줄 아는 마음이 중요해요.
It's important to have a heart that knows how to be grateful even for small gifts.
Cultural Context
감사하다 is fundamental in Korean etiquette. While 고맙다 (gomapda) is also 'thank you,' 감사하다 often conveys a deeper, more formal sense of gratitude, especially when used as '감사합니다.' It's used in almost all formal or semi-formal interactions, from thanking a store clerk to expressing appreciation to elders or superiors. In K-dramas, characters often bow deeply while saying '감사합니다' to show utmost respect and appreciation.
Editorial note
We review entries like 감사하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
정말 감사해요
I'm really grateful.
진심으로 감사드립니다
I sincerely thank you (very formal).
감사하는 마음
A grateful heart/mind.
Related Expressions
고맙다
Gomapda
To be thankful (slightly less formal)
은혜를 갚다
Eunhyereul gapda
To repay a favor/kindness
고마워하다
Gomawohada
To feel thankful (verb form of 고맙다)
미안하다
Mianhada
To be sorry (antonym, often used in conjunction with thanks)
More Emotions Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Grateful and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
