How to Say “Thanks” in Korean: 고마워 (gomawo)
“Gomawo” is a warm, casual “thanks” for friends and people close to you.
“Gomawo” is a warm, casual “thanks” for friends and people close to you.
고마워 (gomawo) — thanks
How it feels and when to use it
For strangers, elders, or service staff, use “gomawoyo” or the more formal “gamsahamnida” (감사합니다). “Gamsahamnida” is the safe default when you’re unsure.
Politeness levels
- 고마워 (gomawo) — Casual (반말): with close friends and people younger than you
- 고마워요 (gomawoyo) — Polite (해요체): the safe everyday level for most people
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Formal (합쇼체): in business, announcements, and to elders
Real examples from native Korean
Here’s how native speakers actually use 고마워 in real Korean:
- 고마워. — Thank you.
- 고맙습니다 — Thank you
- 감사해요! — Thank you!
A common mistake to avoid
“Gomawo” vs “gamsahamnida” — They aren’t interchangeable by mood — they’re different politeness levels. Match the level to the person, not how grateful you feel.
Related expressions
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — thank you (formal)
- 천만에 (cheonmane) — you’re welcome
Want to hear 고마워 spoken by real Koreans? Search it on Langle and watch it across dozens of real video clips.
Frequently asked questions
- What does “고마워” mean in Korean?
- “Gomawo” is a warm, casual “thanks” for friends and people close to you. It’s romanized as “gomawo.”
- Is “고마워” formal or casual?
- “고마워” is casual (반말); “고마워요” is polite (해요체); “감사합니다” is formal (합쇼체). Match the level to who you’re talking to.
- How do you pronounce “고마워”?
- It’s pronounced “gomawo.” “Gomawo” vs “gamsahamnida”: They aren’t interchangeable by mood — they’re different politeness levels. Match the level to the person, not how grateful you feel.
- When should I use “고마워”?
- For strangers, elders, or service staff, use “gomawoyo” or the more formal “gamsahamnida” (감사합니다). “Gamsahamnida” is the safe default when you’re unsure.
- What can I say instead of “고마워”?
- Try “감사합니다” (thank you (formal)) or “천만에” (you’re welcome).