What does 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) mean?
- 고맙습니다gomapseumnida
Thank you
Formal: strangers, work, customers
고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) means "Thank you" in formal Korean. It is just as polite as 감사합니다 and is used with strangers, elders and in public.
Where it comes from
It comes from 고맙다 (to be thankful), a native Korean word, with the formal ending 습니다. 감사합니다 comes from 감사 (gratitude), a word from Chinese characters.
How to use 고맙습니다
고맙습니다 and 감사합니다 are both correct in formal situations. 감사합니다 is heard more often in business and service settings, while 고맙습니다 can feel a little warmer and more personal.
The polite everyday form is 고마워요, and the casual form for friends is 고마워. Using 고마워 with an elder would be too familiar.
Add 정말 (really) or 너무 (so) to make it stronger: 정말 고맙습니다.
Examples
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Thanking a stranger who returned your wallet
Receiving change at a market stall
Thanking an older neighbor for helping you move
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 고마워요 | Thank you | Polite, softer everyday form. |
| 고마워 | Thanks | Casual, for friends and younger people. |
| 정말 고맙습니다 | Thank you so much | Stronger, heartfelt. |
| 감사합니다 | Thank you | Equally formal, very common in service settings. |
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between gomapseumnida and kamsahamnida?
Both are formal "thank you". 감사합니다 uses a Chinese-origin word and is more common in business, while 고맙습니다 is native Korean and can sound a little warmer.
Is gomapseumnida less polite than kamsahamnida?
No. Both use the same formal ending and are equally polite.
How do you reply to gomapseumnida?
아니에요 (not at all) or 천만에요 (you're welcome).