🙏 Essential Korean Phrases: Saying “I’m Sorry” and “Thank You” – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

Essential Korean Phrases: Saying “I’m Sorry” and “Thank You” | Beginner Korean (TOPIK 1–2)

Do you know the two most important phrases every Korean learner must master?

Whether you are traveling in Korea or just starting your Korean studies, learning how to say “I’m sorry” and “Thank you” is essential for everyday interactions and showing respect.

💡 Why These Phrases Matter

“Thank you” and “I’m sorry” are universal phrases of kindness. In Korea, using the right level of politeness is very important. Mastering these simple words helps you build good first impressions and navigate daily life more smoothly.

🙇 How to Say “Thank You”

감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – Polite/formal “Thank you” (used in stores, restaurants, public settings)
고마워요 (go-ma-wo-yo) – Polite but slightly less formal “Thank you” (used with acquaintances or slightly older friends)
고마워 (go-ma-wo) – Casual “Thanks” (used with close friends or younger people)

Tip: Beginners should use 감사합니다 in most situations—safe and respectful anywhere!

😔 How to Say “I’m Sorry”

죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da) – Polite/formal “I’m sorry” (used when apologizing to strangers or elders)
미안해요 (mi-an-hae-yo) – Polite “I’m sorry” (used with acquaintances or in everyday settings)
미안해 (mi-an-hae) – Casual “Sorry” (used with close friends or younger people)

Note: In serious situations, 죄송합니다 is safer to use, while 미안해요 works well in casual apologies.

💬 Example Sentences

도와주셔서 감사합니다. – Thank you for helping me.
늦어서 죄송합니다. – I’m sorry for being late.
선물 고마워요! – Thanks for the gift!
미안해, 내가 잘못했어. – Sorry, it was my fault.

🧩 Quick Check: Can you make a sentence saying “I’m sorry for not calling” using 미안해요?

🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 늦어서 죄송합니다. I’m sorry for being late.

B: 괜찮아요. 기다려 주셔서 감사합니다. It’s okay. Thank you for waiting.

A: 다음에는 더 일찍 올게요. I’ll come earlier next time.

🧩 Quick Check: Can you rewrite this dialogue using 미안해요 and 고마워요 instead of formal expressions?

🌏 Did You Know?

Did you know? In Korean culture, bowing slightly while saying 감사합니다 or 죄송합니다 adds extra politeness. Even young children are taught to bow when thanking or apologizing, making it a universal gesture of respect in Korea.

📦 Final Thoughts

Mastering “I’m sorry” and “Thank you” in Korean opens doors to polite and kind communication. These phrases may seem simple, but they are the backbone of everyday conversations and help you make great first impressions in Korea.

Keep practicing these expressions in daily life, and soon they will come naturally when you interact with Koreans!

🔗 Related Posts

Shopping Phrases You Should Know
Essential phrases for polite interactions when shopping in Korea.

🎓 Want to practice polite Korean expressions in real conversations?
Book a 1:1 Korean class on italki and gain confidence using these must-know phrases with native speakers.

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