If you want to sound polite and respectful in Korean, the first phrases you need to master are “thank you” and “sorry.” These two expressions appear in almost every daily interaction, from coffee shops to meetings, and even texting.
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But here’s the thing: in Korean, these expressions are not just words — they reflect your awareness of social status, age, and formality. Saying the wrong version, or saying it with the wrong tone, can leave a bad impression. Let’s help you avoid that and express yourself confidently and naturally!
🌏 Why These Expressions Matter in Korean Culture
In many cultures, saying "thank you" and "sorry" is a simple act of courtesy. In Korea, however, these phrases carry much more cultural weight. They reflect not only politeness but also your understanding of Korean social norms such as age hierarchy, formality, and collectivism.
Koreans are known for their deeply embedded value of respect. Elders, teachers, and even coworkers may expect different levels of formality in speech. That’s why using the right version of 감사 (gamsa) or 사과 (sagwa) makes a strong impression — and can help avoid awkward moments or even offense.
What’s more, apologies in Korea are used in many more situations than in Western countries. You might say “sorry” even when it’s not your fault — like when you bump into someone lightly or interrupt a conversation. These small acts of language go a long way toward building social harmony.
Understanding how, when, and to whom you express gratitude or apology is one of the first real steps toward speaking Korean with cultural fluency — not just linguistic ability.
🇰🇷 Cultural Overview: Thank You & Sorry in Korea
| Expression | When Used | Cultural Note |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) | Formal thank you | Used in most polite interactions |
| 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) | Formal apology | Common in customer service or mistakes |
| 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) | Polite but less formal sorry | Used with friends or younger people |
Learning these expressions is more than memorizing phrases — it’s about connecting with people in a way they truly understand and appreciate.
🙏 Basic Ways to Say Thank You in Korean
There are several ways to say "thank you" in Korean, depending on who you're speaking to, and how formal or casual the situation is. The most widely used polite expression is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). It’s appropriate in almost all public or respectful contexts — from speaking to strangers, to coworkers, to service staff.
For slightly less formal situations — like with someone around your age or someone you know — you can say 고마워요 (gomawoyo). It still shows politeness but feels a bit warmer and more friendly. On the other hand, among close friends or people younger than you, it's perfectly okay to say 고마워 (gomawo), which is the casual version.
An even more humble and formal version, often used in speeches or business writing, is 감사드립니다 (gamsadeurimnida). This form elevates the listener and shows deep respect. You may also hear this in religious services or customer announcements.
If you're traveling, just remember: when in doubt, use 감사합니다 — it’s safe, respectful, and universally understood. It works in cafes, taxis, hotels, and more. It’s also polite to give a slight bow when saying thank you, which adds sincerity to your words.
📝 Thank You Expressions Breakdown
| Expression | Romanization | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Formal, universal, respectful |
| 고마워요 | gomawoyo | Polite, friendly |
| 고마워 | gomawo | Casual, friends or younger people |
| 감사드립니다 | gamsadeurimnida | Very formal or humble contexts |
Mastering these thank you expressions is the first big step toward sounding respectful and culturally aware when speaking Korean. Use them often — Koreans really appreciate good manners!
😓 Common Ways to Say Sorry in Korean
Just like thank you expressions, apologies in Korean vary depending on the situation and relationship. The most formal and widely accepted phrase is 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida). You’ll hear this in stores, public announcements, and workplaces. It expresses sincere regret while maintaining formality and distance.
For polite, semi-casual situations — such as talking to acquaintances or people around your age — you can use 미안해요 (mianhaeyo). It still conveys politeness, but it feels warmer and slightly less stiff than 죄송합니다.
Among close friends, family, or people younger than you, it's natural to use 미안해 (mianhae). Just be sure not to use this form with elders or in formal situations, as it can come off as disrespectful.
There’s also a very humble and formal option, 사과드립니다 (sagwadeurimnida), used in extremely respectful contexts — often in customer service, public apologies, or religious settings. It adds an extra layer of humility.
📌 Apology Expressions Summary
| Expression | Romanization | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | Formal apology in public or work |
| 미안해요 | mianhaeyo | Polite, friendly |
| 미안해 | mianhae | Casual, close friends |
| 사과드립니다 | sagwadeurimnida | Very formal, humble |
If you only remember one apology phrase, let it be 죄송합니다. It’s safe, respectful, and suitable for most situations where you need to say sorry.
🎁 Thank You in Different Situations
Knowing how to say "thank you" in Korean is one thing. But knowing when and how formally to say it is a true skill. In Korea, context is everything. Different situations require different levels of formality and tone, and sometimes a small cultural gesture like a bow can change everything.
Let’s say someone holds the door for you. You can simply say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) with a slight nod. But if a teacher gives you valuable feedback, you might use 정말 감사합니다 (jeongmal gamsahamnida) with a deeper bow. The more meaningful the help or favor, the more sincere and formal your response should be.
In casual settings like with close friends or a significant other, you can use 고마워 (gomawo) or 고마워요 (gomawoyo). You’ll also hear 진짜 고마워! (jinjja gomawo) — adding “진짜” (really) for extra emotion.
There are also non-verbal ways of showing gratitude. For example, giving a small gift with a thank-you note is common in Korean workplaces. Even offering to pay for lunch after someone helps you is seen as a form of 감사 (thanks).
📋 Common Situational Thank-You Phrases
| Situation | Korean Phrase | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger holds the door | 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida |
| Friend gives you a ride | 고마워 | gomawo |
| Teacher gives helpful advice | 정말 감사합니다 | jeongmal gamsahamnida |
| Coworker helps with a task | 고마워요 | gomawoyo |
These examples show how flexible Korean thank-you expressions are. Start with the standard ones, then match your level of expression to the situation.
😥 Apologizing the Right Way (Context Matters)
In Korea, apologizing isn’t only about admitting guilt — it’s a way of maintaining harmony and respect. That’s why Koreans often say sorry for things foreigners might not consider apology-worthy. Bumping into someone lightly? Interrupting? Not answering right away? All may call for a brief apology.
There are formal and informal ways to apologize, and using the wrong one can come across as too cold or too casual. For example, if you're late to a meeting, say 죄송합니다 늦었습니다 (joesonghamnida neujeotseumnida), meaning “I’m sorry, I was late.” It combines the formal apology with an explanation — this shows sincerity.
In contrast, if you accidentally interrupt a friend during a call, 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) or even 미안 (mian) can be enough. The key is understanding the social distance and the severity of the offense.
In public spaces, like subway or stores, you may hear quick apologies like 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo), which is polite but slightly lighter in tone than 죄송합니다.
🧭 Common Apology Phrases by Situation
| Situation | Korean Phrase | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Late to a meeting | 죄송합니다 늦었습니다 | joesonghamnida neujeotseumnida |
| Interrupting a friend | 미안해요 | mianhaeyo |
| Accidentally stepping on someone’s foot | 죄송해요 | joesonghaeyo |
| Sincere public apology | 사과드립니다 | sagwadeurimnida |
The more you observe how Koreans apologize in daily life, the better you’ll get at matching tone and context. Sincerity always matters most!
🗣️ Tone, Formality & Body Language in Korean Thanks & Apologies
In Korean, how you say something often matters more than what you say. This is especially true for expressions like "thank you" and "sorry," where your tone, formality level, and even body language all play key roles in delivering sincerity and respect.
Let’s talk about tone first. A respectful tone should be slightly softer, slower, and calm — not too casual or rushed. For instance, when saying 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), you should avoid sounding robotic or too loud. A gentle tone makes the same words feel more heartfelt.
Formality in Korean speech is deeply connected to age, social role, and setting. Even when apologizing to a younger person, it's common to stay polite in public spaces. That’s why expressions like 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) are the default in stores, buses, and schools. It’s safer to lean on the formal side unless you’re certain informal speech is okay.
Now let’s cover body language. In Korea, small bows add emotional weight to words. A simple nod can make 고마워요 (gomawoyo) feel genuine. A 30-degree bow during a formal apology like 죄송합니다 shows true remorse. In contrast, failing to bow at all — especially during an apology — can come across as disrespectful.
I remember once seeing a foreigner say “thank you” in perfect Korean at a coffee shop, but the way they said it — flat tone, no eye contact, no nod — made it feel insincere. That moment really showed me how much delivery matters here.
👀 Delivery Elements for Respectful Speech
| Element | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Soft, steady, calm | Avoids sounding cold or mechanical |
| Formality | Use honorifics when unsure | Shows cultural awareness |
| Body Language | Nod or bow slightly | Reinforces your sincerity |
So even if you memorize all the right expressions, your success depends on *how* you deliver them. Always consider the relationship, the context, and the setting. The more aware you are, the more natural and respectful you'll sound in Korean.
❓ FAQ
Q1. What is the most common way to say thank you in Korean?
A1. The most common and polite form is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
Q2. Is 고마워 (gomawo) too casual to use?
A2. It’s casual, so use it with close friends, not in formal settings.
Q3. How do I say “I’m really sorry” in Korean?
A3. Use 정말 죄송합니다 (jeongmal joesonghamnida) for strong sincerity.
Q4. What apology should I use at work?
A4. Always use 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) or 사과드립니다 (sagwadeurimnida) in professional settings.
Q5. What’s the difference between 미안해요 and 죄송합니다?
A5. 죄송합니다 is more formal; 미안해요 is polite but less formal.
Q6. Can I just nod without saying thank you?
A6. A nod helps but you should still say 감사합니다 or 고마워요.
Q7. How do Koreans say “Thanks a lot”?
A7. They say 정말 고마워요 (jeongmal gomawoyo) or 대단히 감사합니다 (daedanhi gamsahamnida).
Q8. When do I use 감사드립니다?
A8. Use it for speeches, announcements, or when you want to sound extra humble.
Q9. Is 죄송해요 okay to use with strangers?
A9. Yes, it's polite enough, but 죄송합니다 is better in formal cases.
Q10. Should I bow when saying sorry?
A10. Yes, especially in formal situations — a slight bow shows sincerity.
Q11. Can I use 고마워요 with older people?
A11. It’s better to say 감사합니다 to show more respect.
Q12. How do I apologize over text?
A12. Use 미안해요 or 죄송합니다, and add an emoji or explanation if needed.
Q13. What’s the casual version of thank you?
A13. 고마워 (gomawo) is the most common casual way.
Q14. Can I say 미안해 to a teacher?
A14. No — use 죄송합니다 or 죄송해요 instead to stay respectful.
Q15. Do kids use different phrases?
A15. Not really — they mostly say 고마워 and 미안해 to each other.
Q16. Are there slang ways to say thank you?
A16. Yes — you might hear 감사 (gamsa) alone in texting, but it's informal.
Q17. What if someone doesn’t respond to my thank you?
A17. That’s okay — some people just smile or nod in return.
Q18. Can I say thank you and sorry in the same sentence?
A18. Yes: 죄송하고 감사합니다 (joesonghago gamsahamnida).
Q19. Is it okay to repeat thank you multiple times?
A19. Yes, repeating 감사합니다 adds more sincerity.
Q20. How do I say “Sorry I’m late” in Korean?
A20. 죄송합니다, 늦었어요 (joesonghamnida, neujeosseoyo).
Q21. Are these expressions gendered?
A21. No, both men and women use the same phrases.
Q22. How do I reply to thank you?
A22. You can say 아니에요 (anieyo), meaning “It’s nothing.”
Q23. How do I reply to sorry?
A23. It’s common to say 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo), meaning “It’s okay.”
Q24. Do I have to apologize in minor situations?
A24. Yes — Koreans often apologize even for small things to stay polite.
Q25. How do I say “Thank you for waiting”?
A25. 기다려 주셔서 감사합니다 (gidaryeo jusyeoseo gamsahamnida).
Q26. How do I say “Sorry to bother you”?
A26. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) or 죄송하지만 (joesonghajiman) before a request.
Q27. Is text apology enough in Korean culture?
A27. For light issues, yes — but serious apologies are better face-to-face.
Q28. Do foreigners need to follow all this?
A28. You don’t have to be perfect, but trying shows great cultural respect.
Q29. What if I say the wrong form?
A29. Most Koreans will understand — they’ll appreciate the effort.
Q30. Where can I practice these phrases?
A30. Language exchange apps, Korean dramas, and shadowing native speakers all help.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort was made to ensure accuracy, cultural nuances and regional differences may affect how certain phrases are used. Always consider context and consult native speakers when in doubt.
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