귀여운
gwiyeoun[kɥijʌ̹un]
The English word "cute" is translated into Korean as 귀여운 (gwiyeoun) in its default form.
The term is used to describe something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way. While 귀여운 is used to modify nouns, you might also use 애교있다 to describe someone who is intentionally acting charming or displaying cute behavior.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on how they function in a sentence. 귀여운 is the attributive form used specifically when the word precedes a noun. In contrast, 귀여워요 and 귀여워 are used as predicates to state that something is cute.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 귀여운 is the attributive form of the dictionary verb 귀엽다, which means "to be cute". When you want to say something is cute (as a predicate), you use the conjugated forms: 귀여워요 for polite speech and 귀여워 for informal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeoun
Did you know?
- To express extreme cuteness, Koreans often use the slang term 핵귀여워, where 핵 means 'nuclear'. This acts as an intensifier similar to saying something is 'explosively cute'.
- The physical manifestation of cuteness in Korea often involves 'aegyo-sal', the small pockets of fat under the eyes. Emphasizing these makes a person look more 'cute' and youthful to Korean standards.
- When expressing that something is extremely cute, Koreans often use the word 심쿵 (sim-kung), which mimics the sound of a heart thumping. It is used when something's cuteness causes a sudden 'heart attack' of affection.
Examples in context
- 귀여운 여자애가 톰의 눈길을 사로잡았어.A cute girl caught Tom's eye.This sentence shows how to use 귀여운 to modify a noun.Tatoeba #8363262 by Eunhee, translation #8173655 by Hybrid
- 너 오늘 귀엽다.You are cute today.
- 우리 강아지는 애교가 너무 많아.Our puppy has so much aegyo (cute acts).
- 우리 여동생이 오늘 정말 귀여워.Our sister is really cute today.
- 이 캐릭터는 너무 귀여운 디자인이에요.i ka-rik-teo-neun neo-mu gwi-yeo-un di-ja-in-i-e-yo.This character has a very cute design.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are looking at a photo of a baby.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 아기 정말 귀여운 것 같아요.i agi jeongmal gwiyeoun geot gatayo.I think this baby is really cute.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 웃는 모습이 너무 예뻐요.majayo, unneun moseubi neomu yeppeoyo.Right, the way they smile is so pretty.
- 도현 Do-hyeon귀여운 옷도 입고 있네요.gwiyeoun ot-do ipgo inneyo.They are wearing cute clothes, too.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 사랑스러워요.jeongmal sarangseureowoyo.They are truly lovely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 귀여운, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
