Thank you in Korean isn’t just a phrase it’s a doorway into the heart of Korean culture. Whether you’re watching K-dramas, making Korean friends, or just fascinated by the language, knowing how to express your gratitude the right way makes all the difference.
You’re about to unlock more than just words you’re learning the art of connection, respect, and warmth. Stick with me, and by the end of this read, you’ll not only say thank you in Korean, you’ll feel confident doing it in the most authentic, natural way possible. Ready to impress? Let’s go.
Most Common Ways to Say Thank You in Korean
If you’re only gonna learn a few, make it these. They’re the bread and kimchi of Korean gratitude phrases.
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Classic. Clean. Super formal. Use it with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
- 고맙습니다 (Gomapseumnida) – Also formal, but a lil’ softer than 감사합니다. Great for polite convos.
- 고마워요 (Gomawoyo) – Polite but casual-ish. Good middle ground.
- 고마워 (Gomawo) – Chill. Use with your friends, pets, or maybe your coffee machine.
- 대단히 감사합니다 (Daedanhi Gamsahamnida) – “Thank you VERY much” if you’re feeling dramatic or deeply moved.
- 정말 고마워요 (Jeongmal Gomawoyo) – “Really, thanks a lot.” Sweet and genuine.
Super Polite Thank Yous (Because Respect Is Everything)
In Korea, hierarchy and respect aren’t suggestions they’re sacred. These are your go-to when speaking to bosses, elders, or your in-laws (good luck).
- 진심으로 감사드립니다 (Jinsimeuro Gamsadeurimnida) – Heartfelt thanks, ultra formal. Say it with a bow.
- 깊이 감사드립니다 (Gipi Gamsadeurimnida) – Deeply grateful. Great for speeches or long apologies.
- 감사의 말씀 드립니다 (Gamsaui Malsseum Deurimnida) – Fancy-pants version of thanks. Use in writing or ceremonies.
- 항상 감사드립니다 (Hangsang Gamsadeurimnida) – “Always thankful,” ideal for emails or letters.
- 도움을 주셔서 감사드립니다 (Doumeul Jusyeoseo Gamsadeurimnida) – Thank you for your help. Sounds super sincere, right?
Casual Korean Expressions for Daily Gratitude
Life’s too short to not thank your friend for passing the remote. These everyday Korean expressions are perfect for low-key appreciation.
- 땡큐! (Ttaengkyu!) – Konglish alert! Fun and informal.
- 감사해요 (Gamsahaeyo) – Slightly formal, still friendly.
- 정말 고마워 (Jeongmal Gomawo) – “Seriously, thanks.” Use with besties.
- 완전 고마워 (Wanjeon Gomawo) – “Totally thankful!” Over-the-top but adorable.
- 늘 고마워 (Neul Gomawo) – “Thanks always.” Cute for texting bae or your ride-or-die.
When Someone Helps You Big Time
Koreans love being helpful. Here’s how to return the favor with some Korean support and help phrases.
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다 (Dowajusyeoseo Gamsahamnida) – Thanks for helping me. Safe and solid.
- 정말 큰 도움이 됐어요 (Jeongmal Keun Doumi Dwaesseoyo) – That was a huge help.
- 도와줘서 고마워 (Dowajwoseo Gomawo) – Informal help-thanking. Good with friends or classmates.
- 신경 써줘서 고마워요 (Singyeong Sseojwoseo Gomawoyo) – Thanks for caring.
- 항상 도와주셔서 감사해요 (Hangsang Dowajusyeoseo Gamsahaeyo) – Thank you always for helping. Cue emotional music.
Saying Thanks Without Actually Saying “Thank You”
Because sometimes, subtlety hits different. These Korean conversational phrases show appreciation between the lines.
- 덕분에 잘 지냈어요 (Deokbune Jal Jinaesseoyo) – “I’ve been well, thanks to you.” Smooth.
- 은혜를 잊지 않겠습니다 (Eunhaereul Itji Ankesseumnida) – “I won’t forget your kindness.” Very formal, very deep.
- 정말 감동했어요 (Jeongmal Gamdonghaesseoyo) – “I was truly touched.”
- 배려해 주셔서 감사해요 (Baeryeohae Jusyeoseo Gamsahaeyo) – Thank you for your consideration. For thoughtful gestures.
- 마음 써줘서 고마워요 (Maeum Sseojwoseo Gomawoyo) – Thanks for your kind heart.
After Receiving a Gift (Yes, Even Snacks)
In Korean etiquette, gifts are a big deal even tiny ones. Don’t just nod. Say something back.
- 선물 고마워요 (Seonmul Gomawoyo) – Thanks for the gift!
- 이거 너무 마음에 들어요 (Igeo Neomu Maeume Deureoyo) – I really love this!
- 이걸 다 준비해 주시다니 감사해요 (Igeol Da Junbihae Jusidani Gamsahaeyo) – You prepared all this? Thank you!
- 정성 가득한 선물 감사합니다 (Jeongseong Gadeukhan Seonmul Gamsahamnida) – Thank you for the heartfelt gift. Fancy and sweet.
- 받고 너무 기뻤어요 (Batgo Neomu Gippeosseoyo) – I was so happy to receive it.
For Compliments, Kindness & Little Acts
When someone notices your new haircut or holds the door open, toss these phrases for compliments and kindness their way.
- 칭찬해 주셔서 감사합니다 (Chingchanhae Jusyeoseo Gamsahamnida) – Thanks for the compliment.
- 친절하시네요, 고맙습니다 (Chinjeolhasineyo, Gomapseumnida) – You’re so kind, thank you!
- 좋게 봐주셔서 감사해요 (Jotge Bwajusyeoseo Gamsahaeyo) – Thanks for seeing me in a good light.
- 말만으로도 고마워요 (Malmaneurado Gomawoyo) – Just your words mean a lot.
- 기분 좋게 해 줘서 고마워요 (Gibun Johge Hae Jwoseo Gomawoyo) – Thanks for making me feel good!
When You’re Texting or DMing
Wanna keep it digital? These are short, casual, and ideal for quick replies.
- ㄱㅅ (short for 감사) – Slangy. Like saying “ty” instead of “thank you.”
- 감사감사 (Gamsa Gamsa) – Double the thanks, double the cute.
- 고마고마 (Goma Goma) – Playful version of 고마워.
- 고맙 (Gomap) – Abbreviated. Only for close friends!
- 땡큐베리감사 (Ttaengkyu Berri Gamsa) – “Thank you very much” in hilarious Konglish.
For Formal Korean Thank You Phrases in Writing
Emails, letters, job apps get your formal Korean thank you phrases right or prepare for awkward stares.
- 항상 신세를 지고 있습니다 (Hangsang Shinsereul Jigo Isseumnida) – I’m always indebted to you.
- 진심으로 감사를 표합니다 (Jinsimeuro Gamsareul Pyohamnida) – I sincerely express my thanks.
- 귀한 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다 (Gwihan Sigan Naejusyeoseo Gamsahamnida) – Thank you for your precious time.
- 정중히 감사 인사를 드립니다 (Jeongjunghi Gamsa Insareul Deurimnida) – I give my respectful thanks.
- 편지를 통해 감사드립니다 (Pyeonjireul Tonghae Gamsadeurimnida) – I express my thanks through this letter.
Cute & Flirty Thank Yous (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Crush-mode ON. These casual Korean phrases are perfect when you wanna say thanks and make ’em blush.
- 너밖에 없네~ 고마워 (Neobakke Eopne~ Gomawo) – “There’s only you~ thanks!” Too smooth.
- 심쿵했어, 고마워! (Simkunghaesseo, Gomawo!) – “Heart skipped a beat, thanks!”
- 넌 진짜 스윗하다~ (Neon Jinjja Seuwit-hada~) – “You’re so sweet~”
- 덕분에 하루 종일 웃었어 (Deokbune Haru Jongil Useosseo) – Thanks to you, I smiled all day.
- 너무 잘 챙겨줘서 고마워요 (Neomu Jal Chaenggyeojwoseo Gomawoyo) – Thanks for taking care of me so well 🥺
How Kids Say Thanks (and You Can Too!)
Childlike charm never goes outta style. These sound simple, but they’re full of heart.
- 고마워요 선생님~ (Gomawoyo Seonsaengnim~) – Thanks, teacher!
- 엄마, 고마워요! (Eomma, Gomawoyo!) – Mom, thank you!
- 아빠, 사랑해요~ 감사해요! (Appa, Saranghaeyo~ Gamsahaeyo!) – Dad, love you~ thanks!
- 친구야, 고마워! (Chinguya, Gomawo!) – Thanks buddy!
- 잘 챙겨줘서 고마워요 (Jal Chaenggyeojwoseo Gomawoyo) – Thanks for taking good care of me!
Wrapping It All Up in a Thank you in Korean
Saying thank you in Korean isn’t just a sentence it’s a soft handshake, a warm smile, a cultural hug. In Korean culture, how you say thanks can change a moment, a mood, even a relationship. So whether you’re just learning Korean for beginners, or you’re already diving into Korean conversational phrases, remember: it’s not just what you say it’s how you mean it.
Got a favorite from the list? Or did one of these phrases for appreciation in Korean make you grin? Share it below or tag that one person who really needs to say “고마워” a bit more often.
