사랑스러운
sarangseureoun
The English word 'adorable' is translated into Korean as 사랑스러운 (sarangseureoun).
사랑스러운 is used to describe something that is befitting of being adored. It carries a deeper sense of being worthy of love compared to more common terms for cuteness.
Meaning: befitting of being adored (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 사랑 (love) and the suffix –스럽다 (to have the quality of), meaning 'having the quality of love'.
Which one should you use?
While 사랑스러운 implies a deeper sense of being 'lovely' or 'worthy of love', the word 귀여운 is the more common, everyday word for 'cute'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 사랑스러운 is the adjectival form used specifically to modify a noun directly, such as in the phrase 사랑스러운 아이 (an adorable child). When used as a predicate in a polite sentence, the adjective '사랑스럽다' conjugates to 사랑스러워요 (is adorable).
How do you pronounce it?
sarangseureoun
Did you know?
- Korean speakers often express that something is 사랑스러운 by making a small heart shape with their thumb and index finger. This gesture reinforces the 'love' component of the word through a visual symbol.
- There is a specific Korean concept called 애교 (aegyo), which is the intentional act of behaving in a 사랑스러운 or cute way to get what one wants or to show affection.
- In Korean pop culture, the term 입덕 (entering the fandom) is used when someone finds a celebrity so 사랑스러운 that they suddenly become a fan. It treats the act of finding someone adorable as a physical entry into a new space.
Examples in context
- 정말 사랑스러운 아이네요.jeongmal sarangseureoun aineyo.It is a truly adorable child.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are looking at a photo of Minji's pet cat.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고양이가 정말 사랑스러운 것 같아요!go-yang-i-ga jeong-mal sa-rang-seu-reo-un geot gat-a-yo!Your cat looks so adorable!
- 민지 Min-ji감사합니다. 성격도 아주 착해요.gam-sa-ham-ni-da. seong-gyeok-do a-ju chak-hae-yo.Thank you. Its personality is very sweet too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon직접 보면 더 사랑스럽겠네요.jik-jeop bo-myeon deo sa-rang-seu-reop-get-ne-yo.It must be even more adorable in person.
- 민지 Min-ji다음에 꼭 보여 드릴게요.da-eum-e kkok bo-yeo deu-ril-ge-yo.I will definitely show it to you next time.
