When to use it
감사합니다 is the one to use in shops, restaurants and with anyone older. 고마워요 sounds warmer and is common between acquaintances; 고마워 is for friends.
What people say back
아니에요 (anieyo): Not at all
Letter by letter: 고마워요
Korean is written in syllable blocks. Here is what each block of 고마워요 is made of.
| Block | Letters | Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| 고 | ㄱ + ㅗ | ㄱ g / k, ㅗ o |
| 마 | ㅁ + ㅏ | ㅁ m, ㅏ a |
| 워 | ㅇ + ㅝ | ㅇ silent, ㅝ wo |
| 요 | ㅇ + ㅛ | ㅇ silent, ㅛ yo |
New to the letters? Tap through the Hangul chart to hear each one.
How to type it
On a standard Korean keyboard (2-set), press these keys in order:
RㄱHㅗAㅁKㅏDㅇNㅜJㅓDㅇYㅛ
Practice with the online Korean keyboard, or learn the layout in the typing test.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "Thank you" in Korean?
The everyday polite way is 고마워요 (gomawoyo). The formal version is 감사합니다. With close friends, say 고마워.
How do you pronounce 고마워요?
It sounds like "gomawoyo". Press the speaker button on this page to hear it.
Romanization: Revised Romanization of Korean, with sound changes. Audio: a recorded native-sounding Korean voice.
Last checked: 2026-10-20