Compared to most Western cultures, Korean culture is more polite and formal. If you are planning to visit Korea or simply want to chat with Korean friends, you should learn polite words and phrases, such as “thank you”. The most common phrase used to say “thank you” in Korean is “감사합니다” (pronounced “kam-sa-ham-mi-da”). Although considered polite and formal, this phrase can be used in a variety of situations, especially when talking to strangers. In addition, there are some informal phrases you can use to say thank you in Korean to friends and family members.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Saying Thank You Formally
Step 1. Say “감사합니다” (pronounced “kam-sa-ham-mi-da”) in various situations
This phrase is most commonly used to say thank you in Korean. Since it's considered polite and formal, you can use it with adults you don't know. You can also use it with children or someone younger and unfamiliar.
In general, Korean culture may be more polite and formal than its own. Use a polite, formal style of language when in public (eg when thanking a salesperson, waiter, or shop clerk)
Tips:
If you just need to learn how to say thank you in Korean, learn and use the phrase “감사합니다” (“kam-sa-ham-mi-da”). Compared to other expressions of gratitude in Korean, this phrase is more appropriate to use in a variety of situations.
Step 2. Switch to the phrase “고맙습니다” (pronounced “go-map-seum-mi-da”) if you prefer when in public
The phrase “고맙습니다” (“go-map-seum-mi-da”) can be used in place of the phrase “감사합니다” (“kam-sa-ham-mi-da”), and is used in similar situations. Although the phrase “감사합니다” (“kam-sa-ham-mi-da”) is considered more common, “고맙습니다” (“go-map-seum-mi-da”) is also sometimes used.
If you're talking to friends and generally use a lighter style of language, this level of politeness can reflect a more genuine sense of gratitude. For example, you could use this phrase when thanking someone for providing serious or important help
Step 3. Use “아니요,” (pronounced “a-ni-yo, gwaen-chan-seum-mi-da”, with the vowel “ae” being read like the “e” sound in “red”, but with the form wider mouth) to politely decline a gift or offer
If someone offers you something you don't want, still be polite when you decline. The phrase “아니요, “(“a-ni-yo, gwaen-chan-seum-mi-da”) is appropriate for foreign adults and means more or less “No thanks.”
- To refuse a gift or offer from someone you already know, but you should still use a polite style of language when speaking to them (e.g. an older relative or other adult), say “아니요,” (pronounced “a-ni-yo, gwaen-chan-a-yo").
- If you want to say “No thanks” to someone your age or younger (in a light or casual style), say “아니” (pronounced “a-ni, gwaen-chan-a”). Don't use this phrase with strangers or older people, even if you're already familiar. This is considered impolite.
Method 2 of 3: Saying Thank You Informal
Step 1. Use the phrase “고마워요” (pronounced “go-ma-weo-yo”, with the vowel “eo” pronounced like a combination of the “e” sound in “why” and the “o” sound in “ball”) if you still have to use polite language style
If you want to thank someone you are familiar with, but are older, this form of the word or phrase can show respect for the age of the other person. However, this phrase is considered relatively informal and should not be used with foreigners.
If you use the phrase “고마워요” (“go-ma-weo-yo”) to a person you don't know, it will come across as rude or disrespectful. If you're not sure whether this phrase is appropriate or not, it's a good idea to use a formal phrase or phrase
Step 2. Say “고마워” (pronounced “go-ma-weo”) when thanking a friend or family member
This phrase is very informal and is considered acceptable only when used with friends or family members who are the same age (or younger). If you have a lot of friends of Korean descent or attend school in Korea, you will probably use this phrase a lot.
Don't use this phrase to thank someone you don't know, even if you feel younger (except for children). Casual or casual Korean should not be used with foreign adults, even if there is a significant age gap between you and the person you are speaking to
Tips:
Note that the phrase “고마워요” (“go-ma-weo-yo”) has only one additional character compared to the phrase “고마워” (“go-ma-weo”). That last character (“요”) sounds “yo” and makes your expression of thanks seem more polite, rather than just informal or casual. Whenever you come across a word in Korean that ends in the character or sound “yo”, that character signifies politeness towards the other person.
Step 3. Add the word “정말” (pronounced “jeong-mal”) before the thank you phrase to indicate a deeper gratitude
If you say “정말” (pronounced “jeong-mal go-ma-weo-yo”) or “정말” (pronounced “jeong-mal go-ma-weo”), you are saying “thank you very much” or “I am very grateful . You can use it if someone is really helping a lot or you want to sound more sincere.
- You can insert the word “정말” (“jeong-mal”) at the beginning of a formal thank you. For example, if you lost your passport at a restaurant and the waiter was able to help you find it, say “정말” (pronounced “jeong-mal go-ma-weo-yo”) to him.
- You can also add the word “정말” (“jeong-mal”) to reflect greater empathy when refusing someone's gift or offer. For example, you could say “아니요” (pronounced “a-ni-yo, jeong-mal gwaen-chan-a-yo”). In context, the phrase means “(Really) it's okay. Thank you" or "Thank you very much, but no need/no need".
Method 3 of 3: Responding to Thank You
Step 1. Say “아니에요” (pronounced “a-ni-ye-yo”) in various situations
The phrase “아니에요” (“a-ni-ye-yo”) is the phrase most Korean people use to say thank you. Although it is similar to the phrase "it's okay" or "no problem" in Indonesian, it literally means "no". If you know a little bit of Korean, it might sound weird to say this phrase when you say thank you. However, Korean speakers themselves do not use or think of this phrase literally.
The phrase “아니에요” (pronounced “a-ni-ye-yo”) has a polite form, but is suitable for use in a variety of situations. If you need to use a more formal phrase (e.g. when responding to someone older or in authority), use the phrase “아닙니다 “(pronounced “a-nim-mi-da”)
Tips:
Korean textbooks may feature or introduce the phrase “천만에요” (pronounced “cheon-man-e-yo”) which means “you're welcome”. Although it means "you're welcome" in Indonesian, this phrase is rarely used in conversational language, except in very formal situations (eg when you are meeting a government official). You'll see these phrases more often in written language.
Step 2. Use the phrase “별말씀을요” (pronounced “byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo”) to say “No problem”
“별말씀을요” (“byeol-mal-sseum-eul-yo”) is another phrase you can use to say “you're welcome” in Korean when someone is thanking you. This phrase has a formal form and is suitable when you are talking to a stranger.
- Generally, this phrase is used when you're responding to a thank you that isn't really needed-you're happy to help or something you're doing isn't a hassle.
- This phrase doesn't have a more formal form so it's a good idea not to use it with someone much older or someone in authority. Don't come off as rude or rude.
Step 3. Use “괜찮아요” (pronounced “gwaen-chan-a-yo”) instead of “아니에요” (pronounced “a-ni-ye-yo”)
“괜찮아요” (“gwaen-chan-a-yo”) is another phrase to say thank you in Korean. This phrase means "it's okay" or "it's okay". You can use it instead of “아니에요” (“a-ni-ye-yo”), or vice versa.
