귀엽다
gwiyeopda[ˈkɥi(ː)jʌ̹p̚t͈a̠]
The phrase for "someone is cute" in Korean is 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda).
귀엽다 is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is charming, lovely or physically cute.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "is cute" in a polite way, use 귀여워요. To say it in an informal or casual way, use 귀여워. If you want to use "cute" as an adjective directly before a noun, use the form 귀여운.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeopda
Did you know?
- Calling a romantic partner 귀여워 is common, but calling a superior or a boss cute could be seen as condescending or overly familiar.
- In modern Korean pop culture, people often use 'cute' speech by adding an 'ㅇ' sound to the end of words to make their voice sound softer and more like a child's.
- The linguistic root of the word suggests a transition from 'to love' to 'to be cute', showing how affection is embedded in the definition of charm.
Examples in context
- 영화 배우님이 참 귀엽다고 생각해요.I think the movie actor is very cute.
- 강아지가 정말 귀엽다.gang-a-ji-ga jeong-mal gwi-yeop-da.The puppy is really cute.
- 그 아기가 참 귀엽다.geu a-gi-ga cham gwi-yeop-da.That baby is so cute.
- 이 캐릭터는 너무 귀엽다.i ka-rek-teo-neun neo-mu gwi-yeop-da.This character is too cute.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are looking at a photo of a kitten.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지야, 이 고양이 봐. 진짜 귀엽다!Min-ji-ya, i go-yang-i bwa. Jin-jja gwi-yeop-da!Minji, look at this cat. It is really cute!
- 민지 Min-ji맞아, 정말 귀엽다.Ma-ja, jeong-mal gwi-yeop-da.Right, it is truly cute.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우리도 한 마리 키울까?U-ri-do han ma-ri ki-ul-kka?Should we raise one too?
- 민지 Min-ji도현아, 그건 좀 힘들 것 같아.Do-hyeon-a, geu-geon jom him-deul geot gat-a.Dohyun, I think that might be difficult.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 귀엽다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 귀엽다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
