Only Know "감사합니다"? Heads Up, You Might Be Putting Your Foot In It In Korea

Sound familiar?

Watching K-dramas, following your fave stars, the first Korean phrase you probably picked up was “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)”. You might have thought, “Nailed it! 'Thank you' – too easy.”

But you'll soon find out it's not quite that simple. Your idols are saying “고마워 (gomawo)” to their fans during livestreams, and close colleagues on variety shows are using “고마워요 (gomawoyo)”.

Why does a simple “thank you” have so many variations? Have I been getting it wrong all this time?

No worries! It's not that you haven't learned the language properly; it's about understanding the interesting “unwritten rules” behind how Koreans express gratitude.

Imagine Saying "Thank You" Like "Getting Dressed"

Let's forget about complicated grammar and honorifics for a moment. Imagine a simple scenario: you're heading out, and you need to pick the right outfit.

Would you wear the same outfit to meet a client, have dinner with mates, and lounge around at home? Course not!

Meeting an important client or an elder, you'd put on your most appropriate suit or formal wear to show respect.
Heading to a BBQ joint with your mates, you'd throw on a comfy T-shirt and jeans to keep it casual and relaxed.
Grabbing a bite with a colleague you know well but aren't super close with, you might opt for a “smart casual” shirt – polite, but not overly formal.

In Korea, saying “thank you” is exactly like getting dressed. The word you choose depends on your relationship with the other person and the level of respect you want to convey.

It's not about right or wrong; it's about what's “appropriate”.

Your Three "Thank You" Outfits: Dress for the Occasion

Now, let's look at the three "thank you" outfits you should have ready in your wardrobe.

1. The "Formal Wear": 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)

This is the first one you probably learned, and it's your safest bet. Think of it like a sharp black suit – you can't go wrong wearing it to any formal occasion.

When to wear it?

To elders, bosses, teachers.
To any stranger – shop assistants, drivers, people you ask for directions.
In very formal settings like public speeches or job interviews.

In a nutshell: If you're not sure which one to use, this is your safest bet. It's your “formal wear” for showing the highest respect.

2. The "Casual Gear": 고마워 (Gomawo)

This is your comfiest, most relaxed “at-home wear”. You'd only wear it with your closest mates, in the most chill relationships.

When to wear it?

To your best mates, your BFFs, your closest pals.
To your younger siblings, or juniors you're really close with.
To your partner.

Crucial tip: Never say “고마워” to an elder or a stranger. That's like rocking up to a business meeting in your PJs – it'd be incredibly rude and brash.

3. The "Smart Casual": 고마워요 (Gomawoyo)

This one's the most subtle, but also the most commonly used “outfit”. It sits somewhere between “formal wear” and “casual gear”, showing politeness while also hinting at a bit of closeness.

When to wear it?

To colleagues or seniors you know but aren't super chummy with.
To your neighbours, or the boss at your regular coffee joint.
To online mates who are a bit older than you, but you get along with well.

The “요 (yo)” at the end of “고마워요” is a magic syllable. It acts like a buffer, making the tone softer and more polite. Take it away, and it becomes the intimate “고마워”; change it to an even more formal ending, and it becomes the more distant “고맙습니다”.

More Than Just Words: Your Body Language Matters Too

Once you've got the right outfit on, you need the matching posture. In Korea, when you're saying thanks, a slight nod or bow is an essential “accessory”.

When saying “고마워” to a mate, a casual nod will do the trick.
But for “감사합니다” to an elder or a boss, you'll need a more sincere, shallow bow from the waist.

This small gesture can instantly boost your thanks and make you seem really well-mannered.

Don't Sweat Getting It Wrong, Sincerity Always Comes First

Reading this, you might be thinking, “Crikey, saying thank you sounds like a fair bit of effort!”

But if you look at it differently, that's precisely the beauty of the language. It doesn't just convey information; it also expresses a subtle respect and emotion between people.

You might not remember everything at first, and you might mix them up. No worries, Koreans usually understand you're a foreigner and won't be too harsh. The main thing is that you're starting to realise this difference and are willing to learn and understand the culture behind it.

And when you start trying to have deeper conversations with Korean mates, crossing those language and cultural barriers, a handy tool can make things a whole lot easier. For example, a chat app like Intent with its built-in AI translation won't just help you get your meaning across accurately, it'll also help you grasp those subtle cultural nuances. That way, you'll feel more confident chatting and avoid those awkward moments from “wearing the wrong outfit”.

Ultimately, whether you say “감사합니다” or “고마워”, the most important thing is always the sincerity in your words.

Next time you say “thank you”, maybe take a moment to think: Which “outfit” should I put on today?