How to say "Cảm ơn" in Korean

In Korean culture, expressing gratitude is deeply tied to social hierarchy, age, and relationships. The way you say thank you changes depending on who you’re speaking to—whether it’s a stranger, a friend, an elder, or a superior. Using the wrong level of politeness can come across as rude or overly familiar. For beginners, the safest approach is to default to polite forms unless you’re in a very casual setting with peers.

1. Formal situations (to strangers, elders, or superiors) Use 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) to show deep respect. This is the safest choice in most professional, service, or unfamiliar settings.

   • 감사합니다. 정말 친절하시네요. Thank you. You’re very kind.
   • 이렇게 도와주셔서 감사합니다. I’m grateful you helped me like this.

2. Polite but less formal (to acquaintances, coworkers, or those slightly younger) 고마워요 (gomawoyo) strikes a balance between warmth and respect. It’s ideal for everyday interactions where you want to be polite but not overly formal.

   • 고마워요! 정말 맛있어요. Thank you! It’s really delicious.
   • 도와줘서 고마워요. Thank you for helping me.

3. Casual situations (to close friends or younger people) 고마워 (gomawo) is the most relaxed way to say thanks. Use it only with people you’re comfortable with—otherwise, it may sound too informal.

   • 고마워! 내일 봐! Thanks! See you tomorrow!
   • 이거 빌려줘서 고마워. Thanks for lending me this.

4. Adding emphasis or sincerity Koreans often pair gratitude with phrases like 정말 (really) or 진짜 (really, casual) to sound more heartfelt. You can also use 진심으로 감사합니다 (jinsimeuro gamsahamnida) for I sincerely thank you in formal contexts.

   • 진심으로 감사합니다. I sincerely thank you.
   • 정말 고마워요! I’m really grateful!

👉 Start by memorizing 감사합니다 for most situations—it’s the safest and most widely accepted way to say thank you in Korean. If you’re in a casual setting with friends, switch to 고마워요 or 고마워 based on how close you are to them.