귀여워
gwiyeowo
To say "something is cute" in Korean, use 귀여워 (gwiyeowo).
The phrase is used to describe something that is cute. You can emphasize the level of cuteness by using the intensifiers 너무 or 정말 before the phrase.
Which one should you use?
While 귀여워 is a common casual way to express that something is cute, you can also use 귀엽다 as a straightforward way to state "it's cute". If you want to specifically say "it looks cute", you would use 귀여워 보입니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for strangers or people older than you, use 귀여워요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense of the informal form, use 귀여웠어 to say "was cute". You can also make the phrase polite by adding the suffix –요 to create 귀여워요.
How do you pronounce it?
gwiyeowo
Did you know?
- The root word 귀엽다 is related to the word for 'precious' or 'rare' (귀하다). To be cute in Korean is etymologically linked to being something of high value.
- When you find something extremely cute, you might hear people use the slang term 커엽다 instead of the standard 귀엽다.
- The concept of cuteness in Korea often overlaps with 애교 'aegyo', which refers to a cute display of affection. While 귀여워 describes a trait, 'aegyo' is a deliberate behavior used to influence others or show charm.
Examples in context
- 정말 귀엽다it's really cute
- 고양이가 귀여워the cat is cute
- 이 아기는 귀여워 보입니다.This baby looks cute.
- 이 옷이 귀엽다.This outfit is cute.
- 너무 귀여워!It's so cute!
- 이 강아지 정말 귀여워.i gang-aji jeong-mal gwi-yeo-wo.This puppy is really cute.
- 그 캐릭터 너무 귀여워!geu ka-rik-tyeo neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo!That character is so cute!
- 아기가 정말 귀여워요.a-gi-ga jeong-mal gwi-yeo-wo-yo.The baby is really cute.
Example conversation
Jieun and Jihun are looking at photos of a kitten on a phone.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 이 고양이 좀 봐.Ji-hun-a, i go-yang-i jom bwa.Jihun, look at this cat.
- 지훈 Ji-hun진짜 귀여워!jin-jja gwi-yeo-wo!It is really cute!
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아, 너무 귀여워.ma-ja, neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo.Right, it is so cute.
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 키우고 싶어.na-do ki-u-go si-peo.I want to raise one too.
