안녕, 귀요미
annyeong, gwiyomi
The English phrase "hello, cutie" is translated into Korean as 안녕, 귀요미 (annyeong, gwiyomi).
This phrase is an affectionate greeting used when speaking to someone the speaker finds cute.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal. It should only be used with close friends or people younger than the speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, gwiyomi
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, 'cuteness' or 애교 (aegyo) is a social tool used by adults to show affection or soften a request, making 귀요미 a term that can apply to adults too.
- The word 귀요미 is part of a linguistic trend called 'Aegyo' (애교), where vowels are intentionally shifted or rounded to make words sound softer and more childlike.
- While the word 안녕 is a common greeting, its literal Sino-Korean roots actually mean 'peace and tranquility' rather than a simple 'hello'.
Examples in context
- 안녕, 귀요미!annyeong, gwiyomi!Hello, cutie!
- 안녕, 귀요미! 오늘 뭐 해?annyeong, gwiyomi! oneul mwo hae?Hello, cutie! What are you doing today?
Example conversation
Minjun meets Subin at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun안녕, 귀요미! 많이 기다렸어?Annyeong, gwiyomi! Mani gidaryeosseo?Hello, cutie! Have you been waiting long?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니, 나도 방금 왔어.Ani, nado banggeum wasseo.No, I just got here too.
- 민준 Min-jun오늘 정말 귀엽다.Oneul jeongmal gwiyeopda.You look really cute today.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 민준아.Gomawo, Minjun-a.Thanks, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 귀요미, 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
