How to Say Thank You in Korean: Plus Sorry and Goodbye
Korean is a language rich in emotion, nuance, and formality. Even a simple phrase like "thank you" has many ways to say it, depending on who you’re talking to and the context. If you want to sound polite, friendly, or just natural, it's important to understand the different ways to say thank you in Korean.
Learn how to say thank you, sorry, and goodbye in Korean with the right level of formality. We’ll cover every way to say thank you in Korean(from the most formal to the most casual) plus pronunciation tips, informal expressions, and common ways to use each phrase.
🙏 How to Say Thank You in Korean
There are many ways to say thank you in Korean. Here's a guide from most formal to casual:
1. 대단히 감사합니다 (Daedanhi gamsahamnida) — Most Formal
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Used in very formal situations, such as speeches or ceremonies
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Shows deep gratitude with respect
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Example: 대단히 감사합니다. 초대해 주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you very much. Thank you for inviting me.)
2. 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) — Formal
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The most commonly used polite form
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Appropriate in workplaces, stores, or with strangers
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Example: 선물 감사합니다! (Thank you for the gift!)
3. 고마워요 (Gomawoyo) — Polite Casual
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Softer and warmer than 감사합니다
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Suitable for teachers, older acquaintances, or people you're friendly with
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Example: 도와줘서 고마워요! (Thanks for helping me!)
4. 고마워 (Gomawo) — Casual
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Used with close friends or people your age or younger
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Common in texts or casual conversation
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Example: 진짜 고마워~ (Thanks a lot~)
🔤 Pronunciation Tip: “감사합니다” is pronounced gam-sa-ham-ni-da. Listen to native speakers or use an online course to practice.
😔 How to Say Sorry in Korean
Here’s how to say sorry in Korean, from most formal to casual:
1. 진심으로 사과드립니다 (Jinsimeuro sagwadeurimnida) — Most Formal
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A deeply respectful apology, often used in formal or public contexts
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Example: 진심으로 사과드립니다. 더 나은 서비스로 보답하겠습니다. (I sincerely apologize. We'll do better next time.)
2. 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) — Formal
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Suitable in professional settings or with people you don’t know well
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Example: 늦어서 죄송합니다. (Sorry I’m late.)
3. 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo) — Polite Casual
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Still polite but less formal than 죄송합니다
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Used with teachers, colleagues, or older friends
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Example: 실수해서 미안해요. (Sorry for the mistake.)
4. 미안해 — Casual
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A casual way to say sorry to friends or younger people
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Example: 미안해~ 깜빡했어.
👋 How to Say Goodbye in Korean
Use different phrases depending on who is leaving:
If you are leaving:
1. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo) — Formal
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You’re leaving, and the other person stays
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Example: 안녕히 계세요. 또 뵐게요. (Goodbye. I’ll see you again.)
2. 잘 있어 (Jal isseo) — Casual
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For friends or younger people
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Example: 잘 있어~ 주말에 보자! (Take care~ See you this weekend!)
If they are leaving:
1. 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) — Formal
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You’re staying, and the other person is leaving
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Example: 안녕히 가세요. 연락 드릴게요! (Goodbye. I’ll contact you!)
2. 잘 가 (Jal ga) — Casual
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Informal and friendly
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Example: 잘 가~ 조심히 가! (Bye~ Go safely!)
🧾 Summary Table: Most Formal → Casual
🎓 Tips to Learn Korean and Express Gratitude Naturally
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Learn how to pronounce each phrase and practice Korean verb endings
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Try to use the right level of formality depending on the situation
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Use 감사합니다 in stores, 고마워 at school, and 대단히 감사합니다 at formal events
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Body language also matters: a small bow adds respect when saying thank you
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Don’t overthink: most Koreans appreciate any polite effort to speak their language
Whether you’re thanking a teacher or a friend, these expressions will help you sound more natural and respectful.
Learn Korean with Berlitz Singapore
Knowing the right way to say these phrases is just the start. Berlitz Singapore offers Korean classes that help you:
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Use the appropriate formality in real conversations
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Understand the cultural context for gratitude and apology
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Get real-time feedback from native Korean instructors
✅ Try our Korean language courses today and learn how to sound natural in any situation.
📚 Perfect if you want to:
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Learn how to say thank you in different Korean situations
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Improve your Korean pronunciation
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Join a Korean online course
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