귀여운
gwiyeoun[kɥijʌ̹un]
The English word "cute" is translated into Korean as 귀여운 (gwiyeoun).
This word is used to describe something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
Which one should you use?
The forms of this word change depending on how you use them in a sentence. Use the adjectival form 귀여운 when you want to modify a noun directly. Use the dictionary form 귀엽다 to state the base concept of being cute. Use the standalone forms 귀여워 or 귀여워요 when you want to say "is cute" as a predicate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective has several forms: the dictionary form is 귀엽다, the adjectival form used immediately before a noun to modify it is 귀여운, the polite conversational form is 귀여워요 and the informal form is 귀여워.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeoun
Did you know?
- In digital communication, Koreans often intentionally misspell 귀여워 as 기여워 or ㄱㅇㅇ to make the written word itself look and feel 'cute'.
- The concept of 애교 (aegyo) is closely tied to 귀엽다. It refers to a specific performance of cuteness, involving a higher pitch voice and baby-like gestures, to express affection or get a favor.
- Calling an older person 'cute' using the standard '귀여워요' (gwiyeowoyo) can actually be offensive or patronizing if you are not close enough to them, as it ignores social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- 귀여운 여자애가 톰의 눈길을 사로잡았어.A cute girl caught Tom's eye.This sentence uses 귀여운 to show how it can be used to modify a noun.Tatoeba #8363262 by Eunhee, translation #8173655 by Hybrid
- A: 오늘 니모 영화를 봤는데, 진짜 귀여워! (oneul nimo yeonghwa-reul bwatneunde, jinjja gwiyeowo!) | B: 맞아, 정말로 너무 귀여웠다고 생각해! (maja, jeongmallo neomu gwiyeowotdago saenggakhae!)I watched the Nemo movie today, it was so cute! | Yeah, I think it was really cute too!
- 이 인형은 정말 귀여운 디자인이에요.i inhyeong-eun jeongmal gwiyeoun dijain-ieyo.This doll has a really cute design.
- 그 강아지는 귀여운 목소리를 냈어요.geu gang-ajineun gwiyeoun moksorireul naesseoyo.That puppy made a cute sound.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are looking at a pet shop window.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저 고양이가 정말 귀여운 것 같아요.jeo goyang-iga jeongmal gwiyeoun geot gat-ayo.I think that cat is really cute.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 정말 귀여운 고양이네요.majayo, jeongmal gwiyeoun goyang-ineyo.You're right, it's a very cute cat.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨도 그렇게 생각해요?jihun ssido geureoke saenggak-haeyo?Do you think so too, Jihun?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 정말 귀여워요.ne, jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.Yes, it's really cute.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 귀여운, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
