너무 귀여워
neomu gwiyeowo
In Korean, "so cute" is 너무 귀여워 (neomu gwiyeowo).
The phrase is used to describe someone or something that is very adorable.
What does it mean word for word?
너무 means "too much" or "so", and 귀여워 is a conjugated form of the verb 귀엽다, which means "to be cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you, add the suffix -요 to the end to get 너무 귀여워요.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu gwiyeowo
Did you know?
- While 귀여워 is a compliment, using it toward a boss or an elder can be seen as patronizing because it frames the person as child-like.
- The concept of 'cuteness' in Korea is often expressed through 애교, which refers to the specific cute actions or facial expressions a person performs.
- The word 너무 is derived from the Middle Korean verb 넘다, meaning 'to surpass' or 'to cross over' a boundary.
Examples in context
- 그 여자 아이는 아주 귀여워요.That girl is so cute.
- 이 강아지 정말 귀엽다.This puppy is really cute.
- 우리 동생이 너무 귀여워.Our younger sibling is so cute.
- 이 강아지 너무 귀여워.i gangaji neomu gwiyeowo.This puppy is so cute.
- 그 캐릭터 너무 귀여워!geu kaerikteo neomu gwiyeowo!That character is so cute!
- 아기가 너무 귀여워요.agi ga neomu gwiyeowoyo.The baby is so cute.
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Minji are looking at a photo of a kitten.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지야, 이 고양이 좀 봐.min-ji-ya, i go-yang-i jom bwa.Minji, look at this cat.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 너무 귀여워!wa, neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo!Wow, it's so cute!
- 도현 Do-hyeon그치? 진짜 작고 소중해.geu-chi? jin-jja jak-go so-jung-hae.Right? It's really small and precious.
- 민지 Min-ji나도 이런 고양이 키우고 싶다.na-do i-reon go-yang-i ki-u-go sip-da.I want to raise a cat like this too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
