Korean Dictionary
How to say "Thank you" in Korean
“Thank you” in Korean is 감사합니다 (pronounced "Gamsahamnida").
감사합니다
Gamsahamnida
Usage & Context
The most polite and universally safe way to say thank you in Korean. Use this with strangers, elders, or in any formal situation.
Example Sentence
도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for helping me.
How to use 감사합니다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Thank you” is 감사합니다, romanized as Gamsahamnida.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 감사합니다.
What learners usually mean by “Thank you in Korean”
People want a thank-you phrase they can actually say without sounding rude, too stiff, or too casual.
Real usage
감사합니다 is safe and formal. 고마워요 is warm and polite. 고마워 is casual. In service or business situations, 감사합니다 is usually the safest first choice.
Avoid this mistake
Do not use 고마워 with strangers, staff, elders, or managers unless the relationship is casual.
Better pattern
Use 감사합니다 for formal safety, 고마워요 for warm politeness, and 고마워 with close friends.
formal or polite thanks
도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for helping me.
close friend
오늘 와 줘서 고마워.
Thanks for coming today.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gam-sa-ham-ni-da' — 'gam' rhymes with 'gum,' 'sa' is a quick 'sah,' 'ham' sounds like 'hum,' and the final '-ni-da' is light. The 'ㅂ니다' is pronounced 'mnida.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
감사합니다
gamsa-hamnida
Formal, the safe default for strangers, elders, and workplaces
Casual (반말)
고마워
gomawo
Casual, used only with close friends or younger people
More Example Sentences
thanking someone for assistance
도와주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for helping me.
receiving a birthday present
선물 정말 감사해요.
Thank you so much for the gift.
arriving at a dinner party
초대해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for inviting me.
Cultural Context
감사합니다 and 고맙습니다 are both formal 'thank you,' with 감사합니다 leaning slightly more formal (Sino-Korean origin) and 고맙습니다 slightly warmer (native Korean). When in doubt with strangers or elders, 감사합니다 is the safest choice. Koreans also often bow slightly while saying it.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 감사합니다 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
감사합니다.
Thank you.
정말 감사합니다.
Thank you so much.
감사드립니다.
I express my gratitude. (very formal)
Related Expressions
고맙습니다
gomapseumnida
thank you (formal, native Korean)
고마워요
gomawoyo
thank you (polite casual)
정말 감사합니다
jeongmal gamsa-hamnida
thank you very much
천만에요
cheonmaneyo
you're welcome
More Greetings Words
Related Guides
How to Introduce Yourself in Korean
To introduce yourself in Korean, say "안녕하세요, 저는 [name]입니다" (Annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun [name]-imnida), which means "Hello, I am [name]." This is the standard polite self-introduction used in almost all situations.
How to Say Thank You in Korean
To say thank you in Korean, say "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) for formal situations or "고마워요" (gomawoyo) for casual-polite situations. With close friends, use the casual "고마워" (gomawo). 감사합니다 is the safest choice and works everywhere.
How to Say Welcome in Korean
To say welcome in Korean when someone arrives, use 어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo), meaning "please come in" or "welcome." For formal events, signs, or announcements, use 환영합니다 (hwanyeonghamnida).
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