🙏 How to Say “Thank You” in Korean — 감사합니다 vs 고맙습니다 완전 정리

Saying "thank you" is one of the first things you learn in any language.

In Korean, two common ways to say thank you are 감사합니다 and 고맙습니다.
But what’s the difference? Let’s break it down!

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✅ 1. Basic Ways to Say Thank You

• 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da): Thank you — formal, most common
• 고맙습니다 (go-map-seum-ni-da): Thank you — slightly less formal, still polite
• 고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo): Thank you — casual polite
• 고마워 (go-ma-wo): Thanks — informal, for friends

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🤔 2. 감사합니다 vs 고맙습니다

Technically, they mean the same thing.
But 감사합니다 sounds slightly more formal and is used more often in business or public settings.
고맙습니다 feels more personal and is often heard in everyday conversation.

Both are 100% correct and polite — you can use them interchangeably in most situations.

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🗣 3. Real-life Example Sentences

• 선물을 주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you for the gift.)
• 도와줘서 고마워요. (Thanks for helping me.)
• 오늘 와줘서 고마워. (Thanks for coming today.)

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📝 4. Practice Task

Translate these into Korean:

1. Thank you for your help.
2. Thank you for the coffee.
3. Thanks, friend.

Try using different levels of politeness!

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🌏 5. Cultural Tip

Koreans often bow slightly when saying 감사합니다 — especially in formal settings.
You can also combine it with a smile or small gesture to show sincerity.

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📌 Summary

• Use 감사합니다 in formal or professional situations
• Use 고맙습니다 or 고마워요 in daily life
• Body language and tone also matter!

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🗓 More Korean expressions coming soon!