꽃미남
kkonminam
The English phrase "pretty boy" is translated into Korean as 꽃미남 (kkonminam).
꽃미남 is used to describe a man with soft, delicate or "pretty" facial features, often used in the context of K-pop or K-drama idols.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 꽃 (flower), 미 (beauty) and 남 (man).
How do you pronounce it?
kkonminam
Did you know?
- While 'pretty boy' in English can sometimes carry a negative or condescending connotation, using 꽃미남 is almost always a high compliment in Korea.
- While 꽃미남 focuses on beauty, the term 짐승남 describes a 'beast man' who is rugged and masculine. These two ideals often represent the opposing poles of male attractiveness in Korean pop culture.
- The term is part of a wider cultural phenomenon known as 'flower boy' culture, which has significantly influenced gender standards and fashion in East Asia.
Examples in context
- 얘 진짜 이쁜 남사친이야!Hey, he's a really pretty guy friend!
- 그 배우는 정말 꽃미남이에요.geu baeureuneun jeongmal kkonminam-ieyo.That actor is a real pretty boy.
- 제 친구는 꽃미남 스타일이에요.je chinguneun kkonminam seutail-ieyo.My friend has a pretty boy style.
- 꽃미남들이 인기 많죠?kkonminamdeuri ingi manjyo?Pretty boys are popular, right?
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are watching a movie.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저 남자 주인공 진짜 꽃미남이다.jeo namja juingong jinjja kkonminamida.That male lead is such a pretty boy.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 정말 잘생겼어요.majayo, jeongmal jalsaenggyeosseoyo.You're right, he is really handsome.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨도 이런 스타일 좋아하죠?Seoyeon ssido ireon seutail joahajyo?You like this style too, Seoyeon?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 완전 제 취향이에요.ne, wanjeon je chwihyangieyo.Yes, he is totally my type.
