Politeness and thanks

❃ Politeness and thanks

고맙습니다 [ gomapseumnida ]: Thank you.
감사합니다 [ gamsa hamnida ]: Thank you.
아니에요 [ anieyo ]: You're welcome / It's nothing.
아닙니다 [ animnida ]: You're welcome.
죄송합니다 [ joesong hamnida ]: I'm sorry.
미안합니다 [ mianhamnida ]: Sorry.
고마워. [ Gomawo. ]: Thanks (informal).
도와주셔서 감사합니다. [ Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida. ]: Thank you for your help.
정말 감사합니다. [ Jeongmal gamsahamnida. ]: Thank you very much.
천만에요. [ Cheonmaneyo. ]: You're welcome.
미안해요. [ Mianhaeyo. ]: I'm sorry.
늦어서 죄송합니다. [ Neujeoseo joesonghamnida. ]: Sorry I'm late.
실례합니다. [ Sillyehamnida. ]: Excuse me.
잠시만요. [ Jamsimanyo. ]: Excuse me / Just a moment.
괜찮아요. [ Gwaenchanayo. ]: It's okay / I'm fine.
신경 쓰지 마세요. [ Singyeong sseuji maseyo. ]: Don't worry about it.
수고하셨습니다. [ Sugohasyeotseumnida. ]: Good job / Thank you for your effort.
잘 먹겠습니다. [ Jal meokgetseumnida. ]: I will eat well (before meal).
잘 먹었습니다. [ Jal meogeotseumnida. ]: I ate well (after meal).
제가 할게요. [ Jega halgeyo. ]: I will do it.
부탁드립니다. [ Butakdeurimnida. ]: Please take care of it / I beg you.
잘 부탁드립니다. [ Jal butakdeurimnida. ]: Please look favorably upon me.

Cultural notes

Politeness and expressions of gratitude or regret in South Korea are intricate concepts deeply tied to maintaining social harmony and saving face. When thanking someone, you will frequently encounter two main phrases: 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) and 고맙습니다 (Gomapseumnida). The former has Sino-Korean roots and is often perceived as slightly more formal, making it ideal for business settings or addressing elders. The latter is pure native Korean and is equally polite but carries a slightly warmer tone. When apologizing, 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) is the standard, highly respectful way to say "I am sorry" to someone of higher status. A softer alternative, 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo), is used among peers or toward subordinates. However, polite words are entirely useless if they are not accompanied by the correct body language. Korean culture places immense importance on the use of hands. Whenever you hand something over, receive an item, pour a drink, or accept a business card, you must use both hands. Alternatively, you can use your right hand to pass the object while placing your left hand respectfully under your right elbow or forearm. Doing this single-handedly, particularly with an older person, is considered highly disrespectful. Furthermore, true politeness involves mastering 눈치 (Nunchi), which translates to the art of "reading the room" or sensing others' unexpressed feelings. Offering an apology or a thank you in Korea isn't just a verbal reflex; it requires a physical demonstration of humility, such as a proper bow, and an acute awareness of the social dynamic at play.

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