[Learn Korean] Expressing Gratitude in Korean: ‘감사합니다’ Usage & Examples

20:00 KST 저녁 레슨 – 외국인을 위한 K-한국어 핵심 표현 1가지 (Day 1: “안녕하세요” & “감사합니다” 정중한 높임말 표현 1가지 완전 정복)

1. Expressing Gratitude & Greetings: “감사합니다” (Thank You)

“감사합니다” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) is the most common and widely used polite way to say “Thank You” in Korean. It is a formal and respectful expression, suitable for almost any situation, whether you are speaking to strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority. Mastering this phrase will instantly make your interactions in Korea smoother and more appreciative.

💡 [실전 예문 5가지]

1. At a Restaurant (식당에서)
You: 여기 비빔밥 하나 주세요. (yeo-gi bi-bim-bap ha-na ju-se-yo.)
(Meaning: One bibimbap, please.)
Waiter: 네, 잠시만 기다려 주세요. (ne, jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.)
(Meaning: Yes, please wait a moment.)
You (after receiving your food): 감사합니다! (gam-sa-ham-ni-da!)
(Meaning: Thank you!)

2. Asking for Directions (길 물어볼 때)
You: 실례합니다, 홍대입구역이 어디예요? (sil-lye-ham-ni-da, hong-dae-ip-gu-yeo-gi eo-di-ye-yo?)
(Meaning: Excuse me, where is Hongik University Station?)
Local: 저쪽으로 쭉 가시면 돼요. (jeo-jjok-eu-ro jjuk ga-si-myeon dwae-yo.)
(Meaning: You can go straight that way.)
You: 아, 네. 감사합니다! (a, ne. gam-sa-ham-ni-da!)
(Meaning: Oh, okay. Thank you!)

3. Receiving a Gift (선물 받을 때)
Friend: 이거 널 위한 선물이야. (i-geo neol wi-han seon-mur-i-ya.)
(Meaning: This is a gift for you.)
You: 와, 정말요? 너무 예뻐요! 감사합니다! (wa, jeong-mal-yo? neo-mu ye-ppeo-yo! gam-sa-ham-ni-da!)
(Meaning: Wow, really? It’s so pretty! Thank you!)

4. In an Email or Formal Communication (이메일 보낼 때)
(Email Body)
귀하의 신속한 답변에 감사드립니다. (gwi-ha-ui sin-sok-han dap-byeon-e gam-sa-deu-rim-ni-da.)
(Meaning: We thank you for your prompt reply.)
Note: “감사드립니다” (gam-sa-deu-rim-ni-da) is an even more formal version often used in written communication or very respectful spoken contexts.

5. Someone Helping You (도움을 받을 때)
(Someone holds the door open for you)
You: 감사합니다! (gam-sa-ham-ni-da!)
(Meaning: Thank you!)

🗣️ [원어민 2인 A/B 실전 대화 롤플레이]

Scenario: Alex is trying to find a specific street, and Minjun helps them.

A (Alex): 저기요, 죄송한데 이 지도에서 여기 찾아주실 수 있으세요?
(jeo-gi-yo, joe-song-han-de i ji-do-e-seo yeo-gi cha-ja-ju-sil su i-sseu-se-yo?)
(Excuse me, sorry, but could you help me find this spot on the map?)

B (Minjun): 아, 네. 여기 말씀이시죠? 여기서 오른쪽으로 가셔서 두 블록 직진하면 바로 나와요.
(a, ne. yeo-gi mal-sseum-i-si-jyo? yeo-gi-seo o-reun-jjog-eu-ro ga-syeo-seo du beul-lok jik-jjin-ha-myeon ba-ro na-wa-yo.)
(Oh, yes. You mean here? From here, turn right and go straight for two blocks, then it will appear.)

A (Alex): 와, 정말요? 제가 계속 헤매고 있었어요. 감사합니다! 덕분에 찾을 수 있을 것 같아요!
(wa, jeong-mal-yo? je-ga gye-sok he-mae-go i-sseo-sseo-yo. gam-sa-ham-ni-da! deok-bu-ne cha-jeul su i-sseul geot ga-ta-yo!)
(Wow, really? I was getting so lost. Thank you! Thanks to you, I think I can find it!)

B (Minjun): 천만에요! 조심히 가세요.
(cheon-ma-ne-yo! jo-sim-hi ga-se-yo.)
(You’re welcome! Go safely.)

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