예쁘다
yeppeuda[ˈje̞(ː)p͈ɯda̠]
In Korean, the phrase for "something is pretty" is 예쁘다 (yeppeuda).
예쁘다 is the basic and most common way to say "pretty" in Korean. It is primarily used to describe something that is visually attractive or pleasing to look at, such as people, clothes or small objects. While it often refers to physical beauty, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's kind actions or words, such as "pretty behavior."
Which one should you use?
While 예쁘다 is used for "pretty" or "cute" things like people and small objects, 아름답다 is a stronger term used to mean "beautiful," often reserved for scenery or grander concepts in a more poetic and elegant manner. Additionally, 고운 means "lovely" or "exquisite" and is used for something delicate and refined, while 멋지다 means "cool" but can also describe something that is aesthetically pleasing or impressive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 예쁘다 can be conjugated into different levels of politeness: 예뻐요 is the polite form, 예뻐 is the informal or casual form used among close friends or peers and 예쁩니다 is the formal/honorific form.
How do you pronounce it?
yeppeuda
Did you know?
- The word 예쁘다 underwent a surprising semantic shift over hundreds of years. It originally meant 'pitiful' or 'to be sorry for' in Middle Korean, but it evolved into its current meaning of being 'pretty'.
- The word 고운 describes a type of beauty that is specifically soft, refined, or delicate, such as the texture of skin or the colors of traditional silk.
Examples in context
- 그 옷은 정말 예쁘다.That outfit is really pretty.
- 이 작품은 아름답다.This artwork is beautiful.
- 너의 새끼고양이는 정말 고운 고양이야.Your kitten is a lovely kitten.
- 오늘 옷이 정말 이쁘다.Your outfit looks really pretty today.
- 그 차는 정말 멋지다.That car looks really cool.
- 우리 친구는 항상 예뻐.Our friend is always pretty.
- 꽃이 정말 예쁘다.kkoci jeongmal yeppeuda.The flowers are really pretty.
- 이 옷은 참 예쁘다.i oseun cham yeppeuda.This clothing is quite pretty.
- 하늘이 참 예쁘다.haneuri cham yeppeuda.The sky is so pretty.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are looking at a handmade card.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연, 이 카드 정말 예쁘다.Seoyeon, i kadeu jeongmal yeppeuda.Seoyeon, this card is really pretty.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 내가 직접 만들었어.gomawo, naega jikjeop mandeureosseo.Thanks, I made it myself.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo솜씨가 정말 좋구나.somssiga jeongmal jokuna.You are really skillful.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그렇게 말해줘서 기뻐.geureoke malhaejwoseo gippeo.I'm glad you said that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 예쁘다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예쁘다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
