Hello! This is [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Have you ever felt a little nervous about going to a pharmacy in a foreign country? Don’t worry! Today, we’re going to learn some simple but very important phrases to express gratitude to a pharmacist in Korea. Recently in Korea, there’s a lovely trend of showing more appreciation in daily life. A warm “thank you” can make a big difference, especially to a busy pharmacist who is helping you feel better. Let’s learn how to sound polite and friendly!
Key Expressions You Need to Know
Here are three essential phrases to thank a pharmacist like a local.
- 한국어 표현: 감사합니다!
- 발음 [Romanization]: Gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
- 영어 뜻: Thank you!
- 상세 설명: This is the most common and polite way to say “thank you” in Korean. You can use it in almost any formal situation, including at a pharmacy, a restaurant, or a store. It’s always a safe and respectful choice.
- 한국어 표현: 덕분에… (e.g., 덕분에 나아질 거예요)
- 발음 [Romanization]: Deok-bu-ne… (e.g., Deok-bu-ne na-a-jil geo-ye-yo)
- 영어 뜻: Thanks to you… (e.g., Thanks to you, I’ll get better)
- 상세 설명: “덕분에 (Deokbune)” is a wonderful phrase that means “thanks to…” or “because of your help…”. It shows that you recognize the other person’s positive contribution. Using this makes your “thank you” sound much more sincere and specific.
- 한국어 표현: 수고하세요!
- 발음 [Romanization]: Su-go-ha-se-yo!
- 영어 뜻: Keep up the good work! / Thank you for your hard work.
- 상세 설명: This is a very common parting phrase in Korea. You say it when you are leaving a place where someone is working, like a shop, office, or pharmacy. It’s a polite way to acknowledge their effort and wish them well for the rest of their workday. Don’t use it for your boss, but it’s perfect for service staff!
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions are used in a real conversation at a pharmacy.
- A (You): 머리가 아파요. 약 좀 주세요. (Meori-ga a-pa-yo. Yak jom ju-se-yo.)
- I have a headache. Please give me some medicine.
- B (Pharmacist): 네, 이 약을 드세요. 식사 후에 드세요. (Ne, i yag-eul deu-se-yo. Siksa hu-e deu-se-yo.)
- Okay, please take this medicine. Take it after your meal.
- A (You): 감사합니다! 덕분에 나아질 거예요. (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da! Deok-bu-ne na-a-jil geo-ye-yo.)
- Thank you! Thanks to you, I’m sure I’ll feel better.
- B (Pharmacist): 네, 푹 쉬세요. (Ne, puk swi-se-yo.)
- You’re welcome. Please get plenty of rest.
- A (You): 안녕히 계세요. 수고하세요! (An-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo. Su-go-ha-se-yo!)
- Goodbye. Thank you for your hard work!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In Korea, showing respect and appreciation is a big part of daily interactions. Even a short visit to the pharmacy is an opportunity to build a positive connection, which is related to the Korean concept of 정 (jeong) – a feeling of affection and connection.
Using a phrase like “수고하세요 (Sugohaseyo)” is a perfect example of this. While it literally means “work hard,” it’s used as a warm and polite goodbye. You’re not ordering them to work harder; you’re acknowledging their effort. You’ll hear this everywhere in Korea! Using this phrase when you leave the pharmacy will instantly make you sound more natural and culturally aware. It’s a small phrase that shows you understand and respect Korean culture.
Wrap-up & Practice Time!
Great job, everyone! Today we learned three simple but powerful phrases for the pharmacy:
* 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – The basic “Thank you.”
* 덕분에… (Deokbune…) – To show the positive result of their help.
* 수고하세요 (Sugohaseyo) – A polite “goodbye” to someone working.
Now, it’s your turn to practice!
Quiz: You just received your medicine from the pharmacist. What is a polite and common phrase you can say as you are leaving the pharmacy?
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- 수고하세요 (Sugohaseyo)
- 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo)
Leave your answer in the comments below using one of the expressions we learned today! Keep up the great work
