귀여운 여자애
gwiyeoun yeojaae
The English phrase "cute girl" is translated into Korean as 귀여운 여자애 (gwiyeoun yeojaae).
귀여운 여자애 refers to a young female child or adolescent who is attractive in a sweet or endearing way. The term 여자애 is most commonly used when referring to children, adolescents or peers in a casual setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 귀여운, which means "cute" or "adorable" and 여자애, which means "girl".
Which one should you use?
While 귀여운 여자애 is a colloquial way to say "cute girl", you may encounter 귀여운 여자아이, which is a slightly more formal or standard term for a girl. For a more literary or formal way to say "cute girl" or "cute young lady", use 귀여운 소녀.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or literary contexts, 귀여운 소녀 is the preferred choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective 귀엽다 (to be cute) is used in its attributive form 귀여운 to modify the noun 여자애.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeoun yeojaae
Did you know?
- The modern sense of 'cute' in 귀여운 is a massive departure from its historical roots, where the word once meant to feel 'pity' or 'compassion' for someone.
- The concept of being a 'cute girl' is deeply linked to aegyo, which is a deliberate social performance of acting endearing to show affection or ask for favors.
- While 귀여운 is the standard word for 'cute', Koreans use 깜찍하다 to describe a girl who is cute in a clever or mischievously spunky way.
Examples in context
- 귀여운 여자애가 톰의 눈길을 사로잡았어.A cute girl caught Tom's eye.This sentence shows how to use 귀여운 여자애 to describe someone catching someone's eye.Tatoeba #8363262 by Eunhee, translation #8173655 by Hybrid
- 오늘 학교에서 귀여운 여자를 만났어요.Today, I met a cute girl at school.
- 저기 귀여운 여자애가 있어.jeogi gwiyeoun yeoja-ega isseo.There is a cute girl over there.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through a park and people-watching.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저 귀여운 여자애 좀 봐.jeo gwiyeoun yeoja-e jom bwa.Look at that cute girl.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 귀엽다, 그치?jeongmal gwiyeopda, geuchi?She is really cute, isn't she?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 인형처럼 생겼어.eung, inhyeongcheoreom saenggyeosseo.Yes, she looks like a doll.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 우리 빨리 가자.Seoyeon-a, uri ppalli gaja.Seoyeon, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
