かわいい
kawaii
To say "something is cute" in Japanese, use かわいい (kawaii).
The term かわいい is used to describe something as cute. In more mature or sophisticated contexts, you might use Suteki (素敵) to mean lovely or marvelous. Additionally, the onomatopoeic word fuwafuwa can be used to describe something that is fluffy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To connect sentences or provide reasons using this adjective, you can use the te-form かわいくて, which means "is cute and…".
How do you pronounce it?
kawaii
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse かわいい (cute) with kowai, which means scary, as the two words sound similar.
Did you know?
- The 'kawaii' culture influenced the creation of the 'character' industry, leading to the birth of Hello Kitty, who is designed to have no mouth so that people can project their own emotions onto her.
- The word かわいい was historically used to describe things that were 'pitiful' or 'small and helpless', triggering a feeling of protection in the observer.
- The aesthetic of 'kawaii' often embraces 'guro-kawaii', which is the surprising and intentional blending of 'cute' with 'grotesque' or 'scary' elements.
Examples in context
- その赤ちゃんはとても可愛いですね。That baby is very cute, isn't he/she?
- 彼女のドレスは本当に素敵で可愛いです。Her dress is truly lovely and cute.
- あの猫が本当にかわいい！That cat is really cute!
- このぬいぐるみはちびサイズでとても可愛いです。This plush toy is mini-sized and very cute.
- あのキャラクターはすごく萌えます！That character is incredibly moe!
- この子猫、すごくかわいい。Kono koneko, sugoku kawaii.This kitten is very cute.
- そのキャラクターはかわいいですね。Sono kyarakutaa wa kawaii desu ne.That character is cute, isn't it?
- かわいい服を見つけたよ。Kawaii fuku o mitsuketa yo.I found some cute clothes.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking at a pet shop window.
- 結衣 Yui見て、あのワンちゃん、かわいい！Mite, ano wan-chan, kawaii!Look, that puppy is cute!
- 健太 Kenta本当だ、結衣、すごくかわいいね。Hontou da, Yui, sugoku kawaii ne.You're right, Yui, it is very cute.
- 結衣 Yui健太、一緒にお家に連れて帰りたい。Kenta, issho ni ouchi ni tsurete kaeritai.Kenta, I want to take it home with us.
- 健太 Kentaそれは難しいよ。Sore wa muzukashii yo.That would be difficult.
