[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 10: Expressing Gratitude

Basic Korean Conversation 10: Expressing Gratitude

Dialogue

A: 도와줘서 고마워요. (Dowajwoseo gomawoyo.)

B: 천만에요. (Cheonmaneyo.)

A: 정말 큰 도움이 되었어요. (Jeongmal keun doumi doeeosseoyo.)

B: 도와드려서 기뻐요. (Dowadeuryeoseo gippeoyo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 도와줘서 고마워요. (Dowajwoseo gomawoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Thank you for your help." It’s a way to express gratitude for assistance.
• Usage: Use this phrase when you want to thank someone for their help or support.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "do-wa-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo." The word "도와줘서" (dowajwoseo) means "for helping," and "고마워요" (gomawoyo) means "thank you."

2. 천만에요. (Cheonmaneyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "You're welcome." It’s a polite response to being thanked.
• Usage: Use this phrase to respond to someone thanking you.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "cheon-ma-ne-yo." It directly translates to "It’s nothing," implying that the help given was not a big deal.

3. 정말 큰 도움이 되었어요. (Jeongmal keun doumi doeeosseoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It was really a big help." It emphasizes the importance of the help received.
• Usage: Use this phrase to express how significant the help was.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jeong-mal keun do-u-mi doe-eo-sseo-yo." The word "정말" (jeongmal) means "really," "큰 도움이" (keun doumi) means "big help," and "되었어요" (doeeosseoyo) means "it was."

4. 도와드려서 기뻐요. (Dowadeuryeoseo gippeoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I'm happy to help." It’s a way to express that helping was a pleasure.
• Usage: Use this phrase when you want to convey that you were happy to provide assistance.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "do-wa-deu-ryeo-seo gip-peo-yo." The word "도와드려서" (dowadeuryeoseo) means "for helping," and "기뻐요" (gippeoyo) means "happy."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 도와줘서 (Dowajwoseo): For helping
  • Example: "도와줘서 감사합니다" (Thank you for helping).
• 고마워요 (Gomawoyo): Thank you
  • Example: "정말 고마워요" (Thank you very much).
• 천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo): You're welcome
  • Example: "천만에요, 언제든지요" (You're welcome, anytime).
• 정말 (Jeongmal): Really
  • Example: "정말 좋아요" (Really good).
• 큰 도움 (Keun doum): Big help
  • Example: "큰 도움이 되었어요" (It was a big help).
• 되었어요 (Doeeosseoyo): It was / Became
  • Example: "끝났어요" (It ended).
• 기뻐요 (Gippeoyo): Happy
  • Example: "정말 기뻐요" (Really happy).

Additional Examples

• Expressing Gratitude in Different Situations:
  • A: 선물 고마워요. (Seonmul gomawoyo.) - Thank you for the gift.
  • B: 천만에요. (Cheonmaneyo.) - You’re welcome.
  • A: 정말 마음에 들어요. (Jeongmal maeume deureoyo.) - I really like it.
  • B: 좋아하셔서 기뻐요. (Joahaseoseo gippeoyo.) - I'm glad you like it.
• Thanking Someone Informally:
  • A: 도와줘서 고마워. (Dowajwoseo gomawo.) - Thanks for helping. (informal)
  • B: 천만에. (Cheonmane.) - You're welcome. (informal)
  • A: 정말 큰 도움이 됐어. (Jeongmal keun doumi dwaesseo.) - It was really a big help. (informal)
  • B: 도와줘서 기뻐. (Dowajwoseo gippeo.) - I'm happy to help. (informal)

When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Sincerity: When expressing gratitude, ensure your tone conveys sincerity to make your appreciation clear.

Pronunciation Tips

• 도와줘서 고마워요. (Dowajwoseo gomawoyo.): Break it down into syllables – "do-wa-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo?" The "도와줘서" (dowajwoseo) should be pronounced clearly with emphasis on "do-wa."
• 천만에요. (Cheonmaneyo.): Say it as "cheon-ma-ne-yo." Ensure to pronounce the "천만" (cheonman) part smoothly.
• 정말 큰 도움이 되었어요. (Jeongmal keun doumi doeeosseoyo.): Pronounce it as "jeong-mal keun do-u-mi doe-eo-sseo-yo?" The "큰 도움이" (keun doumi) should be clear, with "정말" sounding like "jeong-mal."
• 도와드려서 기뻐요. (Dowadeuryeoseo gippeoyo.): Say it as "do-wa-deu-ryeo-seo gip-peo-yo." The "도와드려서" (dowadeuryeoseo) should be pronounced with emphasis on "do-wa."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably express gratitude and respond to it, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!