How to say "Thank you" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "Thank you" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

Korean has two different thank-you words, and picking the wrong one is the fastest way to sound rude. 고마워 is casual - friends, younger people, people you are close to.

Polite form

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  감사합니다

  gamsahamnida

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

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  고마워요

  gomawoyo

  = Thanks (polite-casual)

  Warm and polite at once. Safe with most adults you are friendly with.
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  감사합니다

  gamsahamnida

  = Thank you (formal)

  Strangers, staff, anyone older, any business setting. When in doubt, use this.
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  정말 고마워

  jeongmal gomawo

  = Thank you so much

  정말 means really. Add it when you mean it.

In a sentence

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  도와줘서 고마워.

  dowajwoseo gomawo.

  Thanks for helping me.
• ▶
  기다려 주셔서 감사합니다.

  gidaryeo jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.

  Thank you for waiting.