나 귀여워
na gwiyeowo
In Korean, "I am cute" is expressed as 나 귀여워 (na gwiyeowo).
This phrase is a statement used to describe oneself as having a cute or endearing appearance or personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 나 (I) and 귀여워 (am cute).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This style is used with close friends or people younger than you. For a more polite version, you can use 나 귀여워요, which is suitable for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you. There is also a formal way to say "I am cute" using 귀엽습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix 요 to the end of the phrase, as in 나 귀여워요, makes the expression polite.
How do you pronounce it?
na gwiyeowo
Did you know?
- In Korean, it is socially common for adults to describe themselves as 귀여워 (cute) to create a friendly or softened atmosphere, whereas English speakers often reserve 'cute' for children or pets.
- The concept of 'cuteness' in Korean is linked to aegyo, a cultural practice of speaking and behaving in an exaggeratedly cute way to show affection or get a favor.
- While the pronoun 나 is used here, it is often omitted entirely in Korean conversation when the context makes it clear that the speaker is talking about themselves.
Example conversation
Minji is asking Jihun for a compliment after dressing up.
- 민지 Min-ji나 귀여워?na gwiyeowo?Am I cute?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 민지는 정말 귀여워.eung, minjineun jeongmal gwiyeowo.Yes, Minji is really cute.
- 민지 Min-ji나 귀여워 보여서 다행이다.na gwiyeowo boyeoseo dahaeng-ida.I'm glad I look cute.
- 지훈 Ji-hun당연하지.dang-yeonhaji.Of course.
