かわいいやつ
kawaii yatsu
かわいいやつ (kawaii yatsu) is the Japanese way to say "cutie pie".
While it can mean 'cutie pie', it is often used by men to refer to someone they find charming or even a bit mischievous in a way that is endearing. It refers to a cute guy/person.
Meaning: cute person (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kawaii yatsu
Did you know?
- The word かわいい originally comes from 可哀い, meaning 'poor' or 'pitiful', reflecting a historical cultural link between beauty and vulnerability.
- If you were to use かわいいやつ toward a superior or a teacher, it would be considered incredibly rude. The word やつ effectively strips the person of their social status by treating them as an equal or an inferior.
- While 'cutie pie' is an affectionate term in English, the word やつ (yatsu) in this phrase can sound quite rough or even derogatory if used with the wrong person. It is often used by men to add a sense of 'toughness' or casualness to their endearment.
Examples in context
- あの子は本当にかわいいやつだ。Ano ko wa hontou ni kawaii yatsu da.That girl is a real cutie pie.
Example conversation
Hiyori is showing Hiro a photo of her new kitten.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、この子すごくない？Mite, kono ko sugokunai?Look, isn't this little one amazing?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。本当にかわいいやつだね。Hontō da. Hontō ni kawaii yatsu da ne.You're right. He's such a cutie pie.
- 陽葵 Himariでしょ？もうメロメロだよ。Desho? Mō mero-mero da yo.Right? I'm already head over heels.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかるよ。最高にキュートだね。Wakaru yo. Saikō ni kyūto da ne.I get it. He's super cute.
