예쁜
yeppeun[je̞p͈ɯn]attributive
The English word 'pretty' is translated into Korean as 예쁜 (yeppeun) or 예쁘다.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 예쁜 | yeppeun | [je̞p͈ɯn] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | attributive |
| 예쁘다 | yeppeuda | [ˈje̞(ː)p͈ɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | predicative |
This term is used to describe someone or something as pleasant or attractive, especially in reference to women and children. While it specifically refers to visual attractiveness, it can also be used metaphorically to describe 'pretty' behavior or 'pretty' handwriting.
Which one should you use?
The form 예쁘다 is the dictionary base form used when the adjective functions as the predicate of a sentence. In contrast, the form 예쁜 is used when the adjective directly precedes a noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form 예쁜 when the adjective directly precedes a noun, such as 'pretty girl'. Use the form 예쁘다 when the adjective functions as the predicate of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
yeppeun
Did you know?
- The word 예쁘다 actually underwent a complete personality change over time. It originally meant 'pitiful' or 'to be sorry for', but shifted to mean 'pretty' as the sense of being 'lovely' or 'endearing' evolved.
- Because 예쁘다 focuses on a delicate, lovely kind of beauty, it is distinct from 아름답다, which describes a more grand, sublime or majestic beauty.
- While 예쁘다 is used for girls and children, using it to describe a grown man can sometimes sound overly cute or feminine. Men are more commonly described as 멋지다, which means 'cool' or 'stylish'.
Examples in context
- 그는 예쁜 여자와 결혼했다.He married a pretty girl.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 예쁜 before a noun to describe a girl.Tatoeba #11105667 by intertime, translation #289596 by CK
- 톰은 아주 예쁜 아가씨와 결혼했다.Tom married a very pretty girl.This sentence demonstrates the use of 예쁜 to describe a girl with the modifier 'very'.Tatoeba #11110727 by intertime, translation #5842821 by CK
- 파티에 입을 예쁜 걸 하나 사는 게 어때?Why don't you go buy yourself something pretty to wear to the party?This sentence shows how to use 예쁜 when describing something to wear.Tatoeba #13755235 by qlTmalffk, translation #2210713 by CK
- 이 박물관은 아름다운 예술작품들로 가득 차 있어요.This museum is filled with beautiful artworks.
- 그 여자 정말 이쁘다!That girl is really pretty!
- 너 오늘 예뻐 보여.You look pretty today.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are looking at a photo of a baby.
- 민지 Min-ji이 아기 정말 예쁜 것 같아.i agi jeongmal yeppeun geot gata.I think this baby is really pretty.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 눈이 정말 예쁜 아이네.eung, nuni jeongmal yeppeun aine.Yes, it's a child with really pretty eyes.
- 민지 Min-ji누구를 닮아서 이렇게 예쁜 걸까?nugureul dalmaseo ireoke yeppeun geolkka?I wonder who they take after to be so pretty?
- 도현 Do-hyeon엄마를 닮아서 예쁜 것 같아.eommareul dalmaseo yeppeun geot gata.I think they are pretty because they look like their mother.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pretty” translations and entries 예쁜, 예쁘다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예쁘다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
