카와이
kawai
The English phrase "kawaii" is expressed in Korean as 카와이. Wiktionary also lists 가와이 (gawai).
Meaning: cute, in the context of Japanese culture (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 카와이 | kawai |
| 가와이 | gawai |
카와이 is a slang loanword from Japanese used to describe something as "cute" specifically within the context of Japanese subculture or to refer to a Japanese-style aesthetic. It is not the standard term for cuteness in the Korean language.
How do you pronounce it?
kawai
Did you know?
- Because of historical tensions, using Japanese loanwords like 카와이 can be controversial among older Koreans who remember the colonial era, even if the word itself is harmless.
- If you use 카와이 in Korea, you are often signaling an interest in 'J-culture', such as anime or Japanese fashion, rather than just describing an object as cute.
- While 카와이 is used by fans of Japanese media, the standard Korean word for cute, 귀엽다, is often shortened to 귀여워 or even 귀여 in text messaging to sound even more 'aegyo' or cute.
Examples in context
- 그림이 너무 귀여워요The drawing is very cute
- 아기 옷이 정말 귀여워요Baby clothes are really cute
- 너무 귀여워!So cute!
- 그 캐릭터 정말 카와이해.geu kaerik-teo jeongmal kawai-hae.That character is really kawaii.
- 이 인형은 완전 카와이해.i inhyeong-eun wanjeon kawai-hae.This doll is totally kawaii.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are looking at Japanese stationery in a store.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 이 스티커 좀 보세요. 진짜 카와이하죠?Hyeonu ssi, i seutikeo jom boseyo. jinjja kawaihajyo?Hyunwoo, look at these stickers. They're really kawaii, right?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 정말 귀엽네요.ne, jeongmal gwiyeopneyo.Yes, they are really cute.
- 서연 Seo-yeon일본 느낌이라 더 카와이한 것 같아요.ilbon neukkim-ira deo kawaihan geot gatayo.I think they're more kawaii because they have a Japanese feel.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저도 그렇게 생각해요.jeodo geureoke saenggakaeyo.I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kawaii” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
