What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of かわいい (kawaii), meaning "cute" or "adorable" and もの (mono), which refers to inanimate objects or "things".
Which one should you use?
While かわいいものが好き is the standard expression, かわいらしいものが好みです is a more formal way to say one has a preference for lovely or charming things. Additionally, かわいくてたまらない is used specifically to express that something is so cute it is overwhelming, translating to "It's so cute I can't bear it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of politeness changes based on the ending of the phrase. The version かわいいものが好きです is a polite way to say "I like cute things" and is suitable for talking to strangers or superiors. For casual speech, you can use the informal かわいいもの好きだよ or the plain form かわいいものが好きだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the politeness and tone by changing the ending. Adding です to the end makes the phrase a polite, complete sentence. Adding だ to the end makes the phrase a plain declarative statement often used in casual speech or writing.
How do you pronounce it?
kawaii mono ga suki
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called kimo-kawaii, which describes things that are simultaneously 'gross' or 'creepy' and 'cute'.
- The word かわいい can be used to describe something 'small and pitiful' or 'pathetic' in certain contexts, reflecting a historical link between cuteness and vulnerability.
- While もの (mono) refers to 'things', if you are talking about your preference for cute people, you must swap it for 人 (hito). Saying かわいいものが好き about a human can imply you view them as an object.
Examples in context
- 田中さん： かわいいものが好きです。Tanaka-san: I like cute things.
- 鈴木さん： かわいらしいものが好みです。Suzuki-san: I have a preference for cute things.
- 姉： この子の写真見て！かわいくてたまらない。Sister: Look at this child's photo! It's so cute I can't bear it.
- かわいいものが好きです。kawaii mono ga suki desu.I like cute things.
- 実は、かわいいものが好きなんです。jitsu wa, kawaii mono ga suki nan desu.Actually, I like cute things.
- 彼女はかわいいものが好きだ。kanojo wa kawaii mono ga suki da.She likes cute things.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは何が好きですか？ren-san wa nani ga suki desu ka?Ren, what do you like?
- 蓮 Ren僕はかわいいものが好きだよ。boku wa kawaii mono ga suki da yo.I like cute things.
- 美咲 Misaki私もかわいいものが好き！watashi mo kawaii mono ga suki!I like cute things too!
- 蓮 Renそれは嬉しいな。sore wa ureshii na.I'm happy to hear that.
