Thank you in Korean (감사합니다, gamsahamnida) — vs 고맙습니다 and 고마워

"Thank you" is the word you will use most in Korea. You'll say it at the shop, in the taxi and at the dinner table. But there are several ways to say it, and learners ask the same questions again and again.

So let's do this as a short FAQ. Six questions, short answers.

1. What is the safest way to say thank you?

감사합니다 [감사함니다] (gamsahamnida). It is polite, and it works with strangers, shop staff, teachers and bosses.

Notice the sound. It is spelled 합니다, but it sounds like 함니다. When ㅂ comes before ㄴ, it changes to an "m" sound. Our guide to batchim sound rules explains why.

If you remember only one phrase from this page, make it this one.

2. Is 고맙습니다 less polite than 감사합니다?

No. This is a very common myth.

고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) is just as correct and just as polite. The National Institute of Korean Language, which looks after the Korean language, has answered this question many times. In a 2024 answer, it said you can use both 고맙습니다 and 감사합니다 when you receive kindness or help. In a 2025 answer, it said it is hard to call either one more formal.

The two words come from different places:

• 고맙다 (gomapda) is a native Korean word.
• 감사하다 (gamsahada) comes from Chinese characters, 感謝, meaning "feeling gratitude."

Some people feel a small difference in tone. An older note from the same institute said 감사하다 fits slightly more formal speech, and 고맙다 fits a softer, friendlier tone. So: both are polite. 감사합니다 can feel a little more formal, 고맙습니다 a little warmer.

3. What do I say to a friend?

Use the casual or softer forms. Here is the whole family, from formal to casual:

There is also 고맙다 (gomapda), the plain dictionary form. You may hear it in dramas between old friends or from a parent. But don't say it to your manager. It sounds too plain for that.

Want to know when it is okay to drop 요? Our guide to polite and casual Korean covers it.

4. How do I answer "thank you"?

The textbook answer is 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo), "Not at all." The language institute says it shows a humble feeling, so it is a fine reply.

In daily life, you will also often hear a short 아니에요 (anieyo), like "Oh, it's nothing." It sounds natural and modest. Many people simply smile and nod, too.

5. Is there a "thank you" for food?

Yes, and it's one of the nicest habits in Korea. Before eating, people say 잘 먹겠습니다 [잘 먹껟씀니다] (jal meokgetseumnida), "I will eat well."

After the meal, the phrase moves to the past: 잘 먹었습니다 [잘 머걷씀니다] (jal meogeotseumnida), "I ate well." Say it to the host, or to the restaurant owner as you leave. For more mealtime manners, see our guide to Korean table manners.

6. Can I say thank you for something in the past?

Yes. Just use the past form. 고마웠어 (gomawosseo) means "I was thankful" or "Thanks for that."

You often hear it in late December. Friends thank each other for the whole year: 올해 정말 고마웠어 [올해 정말 고마워써] (olhae jeongmal gomawosseo), "Thank you so much for this year." It is a small sentence that means a lot.

One more thing: thanks instead of tips

In Korea, people usually don't tip. A clear, warm 감사합니다 does the job that a tip does in some other countries. We explain this in do you tip in Korea?

And when you walk out of a shop with your thanks, the staff may answer with a goodbye. Learn which one in our hello and goodbye guide.

In one line: 감사합니다 or 고맙습니다 for most people, 고마워 for friends, and 잘 먹겠습니다 before every meal.

There are thank-you questions in the daily game, too. Try today's 5 and see which one fits.